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THE 


Braganza Diamond 


JAMES OTIS 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 
1891 


9 



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Copyrighted, 1891, by The Penn Publishing Company 


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CONTENTS 


CHAP. PAGE 

I An Exciting Prospect 5 

II A Visitor 15 

III A Weird Scene 28 

IV The Wreck 42 

V The Old Pirate’s Story 54 

VI An Unexpected Arrival 65 

VII The Search 76 

VIII The Cryptogram 87 

IX Joining Forces 97 

X A Second Failure 109 

XI The Wreckers 117 

XII The Rescue 126 

XIII Cremation 139 

XIV The Hidden Stores 149 

XV Separated 159 

XVI A Bold Venture 170 

XVII On the Yacht 181 

XVIII In Pursuit 192 

XIX A Familiar Voice 202 

XX Solving the Riddle 212 

XXI A Favorable Opportunity 222 


3 


4 


CONTENTS 


CHAP. page 

XXII Adrift 232 

XXIII A Proposition 242 

XXIV Wandering 253 

XXV A Happy Awakening 263 

XXVI The Solution 274 

XXVII A Cowardly Plot 284 

XXVIII An Opportune Arrival 295 

XXIX The Pirate’s Island 306 

XXX The Curse of the Stone . . . . 317 

XXXI An Unprovoked Assault 327 

XXXII The Night Attack 338 

XXXIII The Hidden Hoard 349 

XXXIV The Parley 360 

XXXV Smoked Out 369 

XXXVI Plans for the Future 378 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


CHAPTER I 


AN EXCITING PROSPECT 

"'^^^ISITORS at Old Point Comfort remember 
well the little steam launch Midge, or yacht, 
as old J ake Berry, the owner, insisted on calling 
her. She was reasonably well adapted for a trip to 
Norfolk; or up the James River, although even 
in these sheltered waters the passengers might 
suffer some discomforts if a storm came up, owing 
to the lack of accommodations. 

She was only thirty-five feet long, with an after 
cabin capable of holding four persons without 
any very great amount of crowding, an engine- 
room where two more might sleep or seek shelter 
from a storm, while forward, from amidships to 
the bow, there was no other protection than that 
afforded by a canvas awning. 


5 


6 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


A jaunty little craft she was, however, and 
among her numerous admirers the most ardent 
were probably Perry Sargent and Ernest Bar- 
nard, who, with their parents, were spending the 
winter at the big hotel where Northern people 
are wont to seek refuge from the frost king’s 
rule. 

Many times had these two been out with Cap- 
tain Jake, when his craft was chartered by a 
small party, and never a morning passed without 
their visiting the dock in the hope of receiving 
an invitation for a short cruise. 

On this particular day, when the Midge is 
thus formally introduced, the boys paid their 
regular visit to the captain, and were both sur- 
prised and disappointed that he was about to 
take quite a long voyage, for, during the past 
four weeks, the little steamer had returned to 
her dock every night. 

Yes ; I reckon on bein’ gone nigh on to two 
weeks,” Captain Jake said, ‘‘an’ if so be you fel- 
lers can get away for that length of time, an’ are 
willin’ to stand your share of the grub bills, why 


AN EXCITING PKOSPECT 


7 


here’s a chance for a right jolly lark. I’m goin’ 
down through the old canal to the south’ard of 
Roanoke Island with the widder Houghton an’ 
her daughter. I don’t calculate there’s much of 
any money in it for me, an’ still there may be ; 
leastways, I’m taking chances.” 

Neither of the boys was particularly interested 
as to what the chances ” might be which the 
owner of the Midge was taking ; but they were 
literally wild with excitement at the prospect of 
a two weeks’ cruise, and, without waiting for 
further explanations, started off to gain the nec- 
essary permission. 

To the delight of both, they met Mr. Barnard 
a short distance from the dock, and, before re- 
plying to his son’s earnest entreaties, the gentle- 
man thought it advisable to consult with the 
owner of the Midge. 

Danger ?” Captain J ake said, in reply to his 
questions. Not a bit of it ! We’ll run through 
the old canal into the Pasquotank River, then 
across Albemarle Sound, an’ there we are. We 
may find a little rough water off Roanoke, but 


8 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


no more than the boys see every day they go out 
with me. I’ll answer for it that they’re back 
here in two weeks, if so be you’re willin’ they 
should go.” 

When do you intend to start ?” Mr. Barnard 
asked. 

‘‘ I’m reckonin’ on leavin’ here in an hour, if 
nothin’ happens.” 

After asking for more detailed explanations 
regarding the intended course and the object of 
the trip, Mr. Barnard accompanied the boys to 
the hotel. 

Within the given time not only had they 
gained their parents’ permission, but all arrange- 
ments were made for the voyage. Each had a 
well-filled valise, together with sufficient money 
to enable him to pay his share of the grub bill,” 
and when they stepped on board the Midge, 
Captain J ake said, as he pointed with his thumb 
toward the tiny cabin : 

‘‘ The widow an’ her daughter are there, an’ 
I’ve waited ten minutes or more to find out if 
you’re goin’.” 


AN EXCITING PROSPECT 


9 


We got here as quickly as possible/’ the 
elder of the boys answered, apologetically, and 
the old gentleman replied : 

‘‘ Oh, my waiting don’t make any difference. 
A few minutes more or less won’t count on a 
two weeks’ cruise. Before we get back I’ll show 
you more fun between here an’ Boanoke than 
can be stacked up on the whole United States 
coast.” 

In obedience to the captain’s orders, Ernest 
cast off the hawser. Perry seated himself on the 
port locker in the cockpit, and the cruise of the 
little steamer was begun. 

As is common in small steam launches, the 
Midge was steered by a lever on the starboard 
side amidships, where the helmsman could also 
act as fireman and engineer, the boiler being 
only of ten horse-power capacity, and the ma- 
chinery requiring but little attention. 

During the first ten minutes the boys looked 
furtively toward the cabin every now and then, 
but without seeing either of the passengers ; and 
noticing these glances, Captain Jake said : 


10 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘ You’ll see ’em soon enough, I reckon, so 
there’s no need of frettin’. As I told you, it’s 
only the widder and little Mazie — though I 
don’t know why I call her that, for she’s as big 
as either of you. Now there’s a queer reason 
for this cruise, which I didn’t explain to your 
father, ’cause I hadn’t really a right to tell the 
secret ; but since we’re shipmates, the thing has 
got to be understood, an’ you shall be posted 
now. Coil up that bow hawser a little neater, 
Ernest, and after Perry puts some coal on the 
fire I’ll spin a cur’ous yarn.” 

When these orders had been obeyed, the cap- 
tain lighted his pipe, glanced toward the cabin 
to make sure his passengers could not overhear 
him, and began his story. 

It’s nigh on to forty years since old Winslow 
Dorr — the widder’s uncle — was first put in com- 
mand of the brig Terror ; leastways, that’s what 
folks say, an’ it must have been as long ago as 
that, because Roanoke inlet was open then, and 
it has been closed ever since I can remember. 
There were plenty of people ’round these parts 


AN EXCITING PEOSPECT 


11 


who said the captain wasn’t an honest trader, as 
he claimed to be, an’ more’n one will make his 
affidavit the Terror hoisted the black flag when 
she was off the Central American coast ; but 
that’s neither here nor there, so far as we’re con- 
cerned. 

I was third mate of the ship Three Brothers 
when we heard as how old Winny had given up 
goin’ to sea, an’ settled down on what wasn’t 
much more’n a sand spit near New Inlet. The 
Terror was still in commission, but nobody ever 
knew why he left her, an’ I reckon he never ex- 
plained, ’cause he wasn’t much given to tollin’ 
about his own business. Leastways, there he 
was, an’ there he lived alone, an’ there I reckon he 
is now, or we’ll be makin’ this trip for nothin’.” 

So you are simply going down to see him, 
are you?” Ernest asked, disappointed because 
the story was not more thrilling. 

“ That ain’t quite the size of it,” the old man 
answered ; and, leaning forward, he added in a 
whisper, ‘‘ we’re goin’ down to get one of the 
biggest diamonds you ever saw.” 


12 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


“ Diamonds !” Perry rej^eated in astonishment. 

Yes, an’ here’s the cur’ous joart of the whole 
thing. Last week the widder got a letter from 
the old captain sayin’ he had ’em an’ wanted her 
to come before he died, ’cause there wasn’t much 
show in the nature of things for him to last a 
great while longer. Where the jewels came 
from I don’t say ; hut I’ve got my opinion, an’ 
you can have yours. I’ve seen the letter, so that 
part of it is straight ; hut still the old man may 
have been clean out of his head, an’ hasn’t so 
much as a piece of glass to show. The widder’s 
jest crazy to get there, ’cause her mother used to 
say that she’d seen the diamonds once, an’ the 
old captain told a story of how he was keepin’ 
’em for somebody else. 

Now gettin’ down sou’east of Poanote ain’t 
the easiest kind of travelin’ unless you own a 
boat, or charter one, an’ since the widder’s hus- 
band died I reckon her money is kinder slim, so 
she showed me the letter, an’ I agreed to take 
her down. It’s the same as a loss of sixty dol- 
lars a week if there’s nothin’ in the story, ’cause 


AN EXCITING PROSPECT 


13 


I can get that much for the use of the yacht 
durin’ pleasant weather. If the old captain 
is alive, if the diamonds are there, an’ if he gives 
em’ up, why I’ll he paid for the cruise ; but 
there are so many ‘ ifs ’ about the job that it’s 
kinder risky as a speculation.” 

But if he had what represented so much 
money, why would he live down there ?” Ernest 
asked. They wouldn’t be any good to him.” 

Well now by puttin’ together the letter and 
what an old nigger who used to sail with Captain 
Dorr told me, I can make a pretty good guess. 
This darkey — he was bosun’s mate on the Ter- 
ror — says the captain got ’em from an East In- 
diaman what was ashore on the Florida reefs. 
I’ll leave you to figger how the thing was 
done ; but ’cordin’ to the nigger’s story, the men 
what owned ’em threatened the worst kind of 
revenge, an’ swore to follow him till he died if 
they couldn’t get the stones before. It wasn’t so 
much the value, hut ’cause they belonged to their 
outlandish gods, or somethin’ of that kind, I 
don’t rightly understand what; leastways, old 


14 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Winny settled down where nobody would be 
likely to find him.” 

Does Mrs. Houghton know about all this ?” 
Perry asked. 

“ Well it stands to reason she’s heard a good 
many things ; but except for that letter I don’t 
reckon she’s posted any better’n I am — ^perhaps 
not so well.” 

‘‘ Then we are going to see a regular pirate,” 
Perry said in a whisper, as if the very idea 
alarmed him. 

“You needn’t turn a hair on that account,” 
Captain Jake replied calmly. “ He must be nigh 
on to seventy years old, an’, consequently, not 
very dangerous. Then ag’in, if we’ve turned to 
an’ brought his niece, he’s bound to be half-way 
civil, if nothin’ more.” 

The boys were eager to learn all that was 
known regarding the ex-pirate, and had begun 
to ply the captain with questions when the little 
door leading from the cabin was opened as the 
widow and her daughter entered the cockpit. 


CHAPTEE II 


A VISITOR 

'^HE boys had fancied that the grand-niece of 
a retired pirate must necessarily be rather 
a disagreeable looking person, therefore their 
surprise was great when a very pretty, brown 
haired girl, about sixteen years of age, entered 
the cockpit, followed by a lady whose widow^s 
cap framed a kindly, pleasing face. 

These are the young gentlemen I was 
speaking about, Mrs. Houghton,” Captain Jake 
said, as he waved his hand toward the boys. 

They have got a two weeks’ furlough, an’ are 
goin’ down to Roanoke with us.” 

Mrs. Houghton bowed without speaking ; but 
her daughter Mazie sat down by Ernest’s side 
as she said gleefully : 

I’m so glad you are going. I was afraid it 
would be lonesome shut up on a little boat like 
this so long ; but now I shall have an escort 
whenever I want to go on shore.” 


15 


16 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Neither Ernest nor Perry had sufficiently 
recovered from their surprise to make any fit- 
ting reply ; hut Mazie continued talking with- 
out apparently noticing their embarrassment. 

With all on board more or less excited by 
the singular purpose of the voyage, it is not to 
be wondered at that before half an hour passed 
they were conversing on this one subject, and 
after speaking about her uncle, very guardedly, 
as Ernest thought, Mrs. Houghton said, hand- 
ing him a letter : 

“ I presume Captain Berry has told you why we 
are making this trip, therefore it is no more than 
right you should see that which has caused it.’’ 

The missive was written on a soiled piece of 
brown paper, and in such cramped, angular 
characters that the boys would, perhaps, have 
been unable to read it if Mazie had not assisted 
them. It was as follows : 

Niece Harriet : — I have been waiting for the 
last six months to get an opportunity of sending 
you some word. Not because I am very anxious 
to see any members of my family, but the time 


A VISITOR 


17 


has come when I am likely to receive sailing 
orders at any moment. Even to write is taking 
big risks, for I know those black imps are still 
hunting me, and may, by some chance, get hold 
of this letter. If it reaches you, come at once 
to the second island or sand bar east by south 
from the southerly point of Eoanoke. I mud 
give the diamonds into your keeping, and ex- 
plain how you may prevent them from falling 
into the clutches of the scoundrels who have 
pursued me so many years. They are mine, 
mine, and I’ll outwit the wretches even after I’m 
dead if you don’t get here in time to receive 
them. I have tried in vain to discover what 
virtue there is in the stones which makes the 
niggers so crazy. The whole lot might have 
gone to the bottom of the sea but for me, and if 
I can’t dispose of them in my own way, no one 
else shall have the opportunity. Be careful 
whose craft you hire, and keep the trip a pro- 
found secret ; but come at once before it is too 
late. Winslow Dorr. 

When Ernest ceased reading, the occupants 
of the cockpit sat staring at each other until 
Captain Jake said gravely : 

2 


18 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Old Winny was a queer fish, so IVe heard 
said, an’ it wouldn’t surprise me much to know 
that he’d lost his head, because it don’t stand to 
reason that anybody would chase up a lot of 
diamonds for twenty years or more, no matter 
how much they’re worth. I allow it’s his con- 
science that’s kinder threatenin’ him.” 

Do you think he is crazy ?” Perry asked, 
addressing the widoAV. 

I don’t know, ” she replied with a sigh. 
“ As Caj)tain Berry says, it doesn’t seem prob- 
able any one could be pursuing him, and yet I 
have heard this story of the diamonds several 
times.” 

‘‘ If they were mine I would sell every one 
and use the money for my own pleasure rather 
than hide from the world all my life,” Mazie 
said, and then Ernest tried in vain to form some 
theory which Avould make Captain Dorr’s be- 
havior seem less like that of a madman. 

The trip from Hampton Roads to Norfolk 
occupied but little more than an hour, and noth- 
ing satisfactory had been decided upon by the 


A VISITOR 


19 


party save the fact that they were going to visit 
this island south of Koanoke, when the Midge 
was run alongside of Batchelor’s lumber wharf, 
where the hawsers were made fast. 

I’ve got to stop here a while,” the captain 
said, ‘‘an’ if there’s anything you women are 
likely to want within the next two weeks, it 
would be a good idea to get ’em now. The boys 
can keep ship while we’re gone.” 

Then the captain jumped ashore and hurried 
toward the market place, after Mrs. Houghton 
decided that she also would do a little shopping. 

“ Who is coming with me ?” Mazie asked, 
laughing, as her mother went on shore. “ One 
big boy ought to be enough to take care of a 
little boat like this, and I’m going over to the 
cotton presses. It isn’t often I get a chance to 
see the sights of Norfolk.” 

Both the ship keepers were eager to accom- 
pany her ; but it was necessary one should re- 
main, and Perry suggested that they draw lots 
to decide which could go. Mazie held two 
straws, and Ernest drew the longer, which 
entitled him to the position of escort. 


20 


th:^ beaganza diamond 


Five minutes later Perry was alone in the 
cockpit, trying unsuccessfully to amuse himself 
by watching a party of negroes who were 
unloading a lumber barge. 

This was not very exciting sport, and grew 
monotonous in a short time. Then he went on 
the dock, and while sitting on a pile of boards, 
wondering what sort of a cruise they would 
have through the swamp, he was accosted by 
one who at first sight appeared to be a negro. 

The new comer, who had walked briskly 
down the wharf as if bent on some particular 
errand, looked to be at least sixty years of age. 
He had white but straight hair, and an almost 
black skin ; but the nose was aquiline, while the 
lips were unusually thin. 

Perry had time to notice these peculiarities 
before the man spoke, and instead of using the 
negro dialect, the stranger’s language was simi- 
lar to that of a Spaniard or Frenchman who 
has but imperfectly learned English. 

This boat of yours, is it not rather small for 
so long a journey ?” he asked, waving his hand 
toward the Midge. 


A VISITOK 


21 


“She has been out in some pretty had 
weather,” Perry replied, “ and I guess we shan’t 
find much of a sea in the swamp.” 

“ Do you not travel further than through the 
canal ?” the old man asked. 

“Oh, yes; we’re going down south of Roa- 
noke ; but there will be no need of running in 
heavy weather.” 

“ It would please me to travel to Beaufort, if 
your captain is willing to take a passenger.” 

“ I don’t believe you could fix it. There are 
two already, and besides, we are not going very 
far/’ 

“ Then you stop at Roanoke ?” 

“Just a little south of the island. I don’t 
know exactly where,” Perry replied, and then 
the arrival of Captain Jake put an end to any 
further questioning. 

The black man turned to the owner of the 
Midge, and in a courteous, but yet nervous 
manner, repeated his desire to visit Beaufort, 
concluding by offering to pay well for a passage 
to Roanoke. 


22 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


“ Couldn’t do it nohow. Chartered by another 
party. Besides, we haven’t room on board for 
any more,” was the curt reply, and, after look- 
ing steadily at the Midge as if to impress her 
general appearance upon his memory, the man 
walked rapidly up the pier to the street. 

Well, that’s the rummest kind of a nigger I 
ever saw!” Captain Jake exclaimed, as he 
watched until the stranger turned in the direc- 
tion of the post-office. He don’t belong 
around these parts, that’s certain, an’ if he 
reckons on findin’ a chance to get to Beaufort 
by Avater, I’m afraid he’ll hang ’round here a 
long while.” 

‘‘ It seems to liie that he is more of a Span- 
iard than an African,” Perry said, musingly. 

“ When he asked me where we were going ” 

Did he Avant to know that ?” Captain Jake 
interrupted quickly. ‘‘ Now if old Winny has 
reason to be afraid of anybody, as he says, the 
black fellow would be just about the kind of a 
chap I should think might be tryin’ to get hold 
of the diamonds.” 


A VISITOR 


23 


“Gracious! I never thought of that, an’ 
I’ve told him where we were goin’ ! But of 
course there can’t be people running around 
after Captain Dorr,” Perry added, as if to shake 
off the fears which suddenly beset him, “ and, 
besides, unless that man has got a steamer, we 
can go down there and back before he’ll get 
through the swamp.” 

“ There are cur’ous things in this world,” 
Captain J ake said, half to himself, “ an’ the 
most cur’ous of all are them what pop right up 
sudden like. Howsomever, we won’t borrow 
trouble, an’ I guess we’d better not say anything 
about the Frenchified nigger, ’cause it’s no use 
to set the widder a frettin’.” 

The arrival of the stores caused the captain 
to think of business, and both he and Perry 
were soon actively engaged stowing the pro- 
visions away, completing the job but a few 
minutes before the remainder of the party came 
on board. 

The fire had been banked, therefore it re- 
quired only a few moments to raise steam again. 


24 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


and the Midge was soon running up the Eliza- 
beth River. 

After steaming six miles the dark waters of 
the Dismal Swamp Canal were entered, and 
here the speed was reduced to four miles per 
hour in accordance with the rules governing 
this passage. 

It was yet early in the afternoon when the 
feeder from Lake Drummond was reached, and 
here Mazie begged that a halt be made. 

‘^Oh, Captain Berry,” she said, “I have 
wanted so much to see the lake of the swamp, 
and perhaps this will he my only opportunity. 
Why can’t we stop here to-night ?” 

‘‘Well,” the captain replied, thoughtfully, 
“I don’t know as it makes much difference. 
We wouldn’t he very likely to go through the 
lock before morning, and we might as well lay 
here as at South Mills. It’s a pretty stiffish 
pull up the feeder in the small boat ; hut if the 
hoys want to tackle the job, it’s their lookout, 
not mine.” 

Both Ernest and Perry were willing to row 


A VISITOR 


25 


the little craft up the narrow water way if it 
was to please Mazie, and the Midge was made 
fast to the right hank of the canal, half hidden 
by the overhanging bushes, where she would be 
out of the track of the steamers from Elizabeth 
City. 

The hoys made ready the tender, and, yield- 
ing to her daughter’s entreaties, Mrs. Houghton 
entered the cockle shell of a boat, after which 
the remainder of the party took their places, 
pulling up the feeder as rapidly as the sluggish 
current would permit. 

Captain Berry, knowing that the passengers 
and guests would be absent a reasonably long 
while, filled his pipe and made of the cockpit 
cushions a bed where he could enjoy a smoke in 
what he considered perfect comfort. 

One, two, three hours passed, and it was time 
the visitors to Lake Drummond returned, when 
the sound of oars was heard some distance down 
the canal. 

The captain roused himself, crossed to the 
other side of the yacht, and parted the over- 


26 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


hanging bushes that he might see who the new 
comers were. 

In a small sloojD-rigged boat about twenty 
feet long were three black men, with white hair, 
one of whom he had spoken with at Norfolk. 
There was no air stirring, and the voyagers 
were making their way through the canal by 
the aid of oars. 

“ I’m blest if it ain’t that very same French 
nigger,” the captain muttered to himself in 
accents very like fear, “ an’ the other two are 
jest about as gray and queer lookin’. It begins 
to seem as if old Winny wasn’t very crazy when 
he wrote about bein’ afraid of losin’ his dia- 
monds.” Then dropping the branches to con- 
ceal himself from view, he added : ‘‘I declare, 
I’m gettin’ to be a reg’lar old woman ! It don’t 
stand to reason that these men have got any- 
thing to do with him, or with us ; but at the 
same time I’ll let ’em go by without showing 
myself.” 

Captain J ake watched eagerly as the strangers 
passed without discovering the Midge, and when 


A VISITOR 


27 


the sloop was lost to view in the distance, he 
said to himself : 

‘‘I wouldn’t he surprised if Mazie’s idea of 
stayin’ here all night might turn out a good 
one. If they keep on after finding that we 
haven’t gone through the lock, I’ll know we 
ain’t being chased; but if they come back, or 
stay over in South Mills, I’ll begin to grow 
mighty suspicious.” 


CHAPTER III 


A WEIRD SCENE 


^ APT AIN JAKE was still speculating upon 
the probable mission of these strangers 
when his passengers came down the feeder, 
and, despite his efforts to appear unconcerned, 
it was apparent to all that something had 
occurred to disturb him. 

“ Are you angry because Ave didn’t come back 
sooner?” Mazie asked. “It was lovely up 
there, and we forgot all about everything con- 
nected with the outer world.” 

“ Bless your heart, child, I couldn’t be angry 
with you, no matter what you did. It would 
have been as well if you had stayed a couple of 
hours longer, seein’ that we’re goin’ to stay here 
all night.” 

“ Then what makes you look as if something 
unpleasant had happened ?” 

“ I didn’t allow that my old face was any 
'28 


A WEIRD SCENE 


29 


different from what it usually is. Perhaps I got 
to thinkin’ about some business at home ; Pve 
had time to conjure up most anything.’’ 

Then, to avoid further questioning, the cap- 
tain brought into the cockpit a little oil stove 
that Mrs. Houghton might prepare supper, and 
amid the confusion attending the culinary oper- 
ations in such a limited space his apparent 
perturbation was forgotten. 

Night came before the meal had been eaten, 
and when Mazie and her mother went into the 
tiny cabin to retire, the captain called the boys 
forward, where, after telling them of the sloop 
and her crew, he said : 

Now I don’t want to put any old woman’s * 
fancy into your heads ; but at the same time it 
won’t do any harm if we kinder sneak ’round 
to find out where them black fellers have gone. 
It’s only a couple of miles from here to South 
Mills, an’ if you will keep ship. Perry, Ernest 
an’ I’ll run ahead an’ find out whether they 
went through the lock, or stayed at the village.” 

The long pull to the lake and back had tired 


30 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Ernest very much; but while thinking that 
Captain Jake was taking a useless precaution, 
he made no protest against the plan. 

Clambering into the boat softly, that the 
occupants of the cabin might not know of the 
departure, the two set out. Captain J ake using 
the oars so deftly that not the slightest sound 
disturbed the almost perfect silence, while Er- 
nest did his best at the rudder to keep the little 
craft in the middle of the canal, a task which 
was by no means simple owing to the profound 
darkness. 

In this manner, speaking not a word, and 
trying to peer through the gloom for any signs 
of the sloop, the boat was propelled toward the 
settlement until an odd, crooning sound, which 
could hardly have been made by bird or beast, 
caused the captain to cease rowing as he turned 
in the direction of the noise. 

The craft had sufficient headway to move 
quite a distance on the still waters, and before 
this onward motion had entirely ceased a most 
weird spectacle met the watchers’ gaze. 


A WEIRD SCENE 


31 


On the hank of the canal, opposite the low 
path amid a tangle of cypress and juniper trees, 
whose roots formed a sort of island in the 
swamp, was a camp fire, and around it, only 
half clad, were the three black men who had 
passed the Midge a few hours previous. 

Instead of being engaged in ordinary pur- 
suits the men were dancing about the flames 
while they made the peculiar, droning noise 
which was possibly intended for music. Now 
and then one would spin around and around 
like a top during several seconds; but always 
keeping in a circle with his companions, and as 
each dancer whirled, the other two made the 
most horrible contortions of body and face, 
while every movement marked accurate time 
with the subdued song. 

These maneuvers were continued five minutes 
— perhaps very much longer, for neither of the 
spectators was able to form any idea of the lapse 
of time, and then the dancers stood motionless, 
side by side, in front of the fire. 

The song was hushed, and, after a series of 


32 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


most fantastic gestures, the eldest of the three 
threw on the embers something which caused 
red, blue, and green flames to spring up like 
serpents, reaching high among the branches. 
His companions chanted softly, hut not un- 
musically, in a language unintelligible to those 
in the boat, until the brilliant Are died away, 
when the dancing was continued as before. 

The maneuvers were kept up until each had 
copied the movements of the first, and when the 
brilliant flames died away for the third time 
the men stood with hands crossed above the fire, 
while all sang in hoarse, guttural notes what 
Ernest fancied might be an oath or compact 
binding them to some common purj)ose. 

This finished, the men resumed their cloth- 
ing, and seated themselves on the trunk of a 
fallen tree, where they indulged in serious con- 
versation as if discussing some plan. A short 
distance above, made fast to the shore, could be 
seen the sloop's mast ; but nothing on board of 
her betokened the presence of any addition to 
the party. 


A WEIRD SCENE 


33 


It was evident that the ceremony, or incanta- 
tion, whichever it might be, had been brought 
to a close, and Captain Jake aroused himself 
with a start. The boat's how was turned in the 
direction of the yacht, and, pulling swiftly, yet 
noiselessly, the two returned, not venturing to 
speak until they stood once more in the cockpit 
of the Midge, when the captain exclaimed, as 
he gave vent to a long-drawn breath of relief: 

‘‘ Well, I’m jiggered !” 

‘‘Where have you been so long?” Perry 
asked, eagerly. 

“ It hasn’t been more than half an hour since 
we left,” Ernest replied, “and that’s not long 
for a four-mile pull.” 

“ You went away at five minutes past eight, 
and it is now exactly ten o’clock. I thought 
you had lost the way, and that we shouldn’t see 
you until morning.” 

“ I couldn’t have told whether we was gone 
five minutes or all night,” the captain replied. 
“ It’s enough to make anybody forget what he’s 
about.” 


3 


34 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Then Ernest told his friend of the singular 
scene he and the captain had witnessed, and the 
three sat looking at each other in wonderment, 
waiting for some one to venture an opinion as to 
what the black men’s movements betokened. 

^‘They ain’t niggers, that’s a fact,” Captain 
Jake said in a low tone ; but what they were 
doin’ back there beats me. I’m beginnin’ to 
think it would be better if we turned ’round 
and went home. I don’t feel so much love for 
old Winny as to run my nose into trouble on 
his account, even if he has plenty of diamonds.” 

But what we saw doesn’t prove that these 
men have anything to do with him,” Ernest 
said. Perhaps they didn’t go to South Mills 
at all, and so haven’t any idea whether we’re 
out of the lock or not.” 

‘‘ That’s true,” the captain replied, musingly ; 
“ but it’s kinder sing’lar we should a struck such 
a gang jest at this time, an’ I’ve been cruisin’ 
’round here nigh on to twenty years, but never 
seen anything like it before. We can’t prove 
that they’re huntin’ for the old pirate ; but it 


A WEIRD SCENE 


35 


looks queer for ’em to start through the swamp 
the very day we begun the voyage to Captain 
Winny’s island.” 

Neither of the hoys was willing to bring the 
journey to such an abrupt termination simply 
because of what had been seen, and both did 
their best to convince Captain Jake that his 
fears were groundless. 

I don’t want you to think I’m scared,” the 
old man said decidedly. I’m only tryin’ to 
make up my mind whether it wouldn’t be well 
to wait till we find out more about this craft. 
Howsomever, we’ll keep on if you say the word, 
an’ won’t conjure up trouble. Turn in now so’s 
we’ll get an early start to-morrow mornin’.” 

Absolutely refusing to say another word, the 
caj)tain rolled himself in a blanket and lay 
down in the cockpit, leaving the boys to make 
their beds on the engine-room lockers. 

When the first rays of the rising sun were 
seen next morning, Captain Jake was building a 
fire in the furnace, and, half an hour later, while 
Mrs. Houghton was yet cooking breakfast, the 


36 


THjE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Midge had started for the island south of Koa- 
noke once more. 

Keep a sharp lookout for the sloop,” the 
captain said, and both boys stood in the bow, 
seeing the embers on the shore where the incan- 
tations had been held during the previous even- 
ing ; but nothing more. 

As they entered the Pasquotank Piver the 
lock-keeper reported that a boat with three 
negroes on board went through an hour before, 
and Ernest said in a tone of relief : 

That’s enough to show they’re not following 
us, and I don’t fancy we shall see them again.” 

‘‘ All that red fire wasn’t for nothing,” Caj)- 
tain Jake rej)lied, with an air of exceeding wis- 
dom. ‘‘Perry told ’em where we was bound, 
an’ we’ll wait awhile before doin’ much crow- 
in’.” 

At Elizabeth City a stoj) was made for the 
jmrpose of taking in more coal, as this was the 
last point where fuel could be procured, and 
that night the little craft came to anchor off 
Croatan Light. 


A WEIKD SCENE 


“There^s one thing about it/’ Captain Jake 
said, in a tone of satisfaction, after Mazie and 
her mother had retired, ‘‘them black fellers 
have had a fair wind to-day, an’ I reckon we 
needn’t trouble ourselves much more about ’em. 
Most likely they did really want to go to Beau- 
fort, an’ are well down the Sound by this time. 
The mummery we saw don’t amount to any- 
thing, an’ when you come to think the matter 
over it’s no worse than what the darkies in the 
swamp do in their voudoo business.” 

Perry stood watch from eleven o’clock until 
one in the morning, and during this time there 
was a decided change in the weather. Dense 
masses of clouds came from the west and ob- 
scured the stars. The wind swept over the 
waters with a moaning sound which foretold 
an immediate increase in strength and volume. 
The little yacht danced about on the waves like 
a cork, until Captain Jake was awakened by 
these evidences of the warring elements. 

When he leaped to his feet it needed but one 
glance to tell that a heavy storm was close at 
hand, and he said, in a tone of anxiety : 


38 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


You’d better call Ernest, and I’ll get np 
steam. We’ve got to move out of here right 
lively ; but whether we should turn about for 
Elizabeth City, or try to make harbor at Eoa- 
noke, is what puzzles me.” 

It would be too bad to lose a whole day’s 
run,” Perry said, as he started toward the en- 
gine room, and the captain replied, in a tone of 
perplexity : 

“ More especially since we’ll be another 
twelve hours making up the loss. Perhaps it 
will be better to keep on for Poanoke ; the 
water is decently good, and there won’t be so 
very much risk.” 

The fires had been banked, and in fifteen 
minutes there was half a head of steam on. 
The boys weighed anchor, and the Midge started 
out over the troubled waves directly into the 
teeth of the wind, which had increased in vio- 
lence so rapidly that showers of spray were 
flung over the occupants of the cockpit with 
every downward plunge. 

Captain Jake sat in silence at the helm, and, 
if the tossing of the boat had not told the boys 


A WEIRD SCENE 


39 


they were in a dangerous position, the old man’s 
anxious manner would have revealed the truth. 

‘^Keep a bright lookout, lads,” he shouted, 
from time to time, for, in obedience to his orders, 
the boys had stationed themselves in the very 
bow of the yacht. 

Under favoring circumstances, the Midge 
would have run across the Sound in a few 
hours ; but now it was nearly as much as the 
light engine could do to overcome the force of 
the wind ; and when day broke, gray and for- 
bidding, she was midway between Croatan and 
Roanoke. 

Captain Jake would have turned about at 
once and run for Elizabeth City, regardless of 
everything; but such a maneuver was now im- 
possible. To swing the little craft into the 
trough of the sea, even for a single moment, 
was too dangerous an experiment, and there was 
no other course left but to ride out the gale if 
possible. 

Mrs.. Houghton and Mazie had come into the 
cockpit before dawn, but were sent back to the 
cabin immediately, in order to prevent them 


40 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


from being drenched; and after daylight the 
boys were allowed to enter the engine room, 
from which place a lookout could now be kept 
as well as at the bow. 

Before nine o’clock it became apparent to the 
anxious ones that to make harbor on Boanoke 
was an impossibility, and the captain said, as he 
altered the course until the wind struck them on 
the port quarter : 

‘‘We shall have to run for old Winny’s is- 
land, or dance about here until the gale dies 
away.” 

Now it was possible for the little craft to forge 
ahead slowly, although she made considerable 
leeway, and at about three o’clock in the after- 
noon they were within a mile of the island 
whereon the old pirate dwelt; but no harbor 
could be seen. 

To land anywhere on the western shore was 
out of the question, for the surf would soon 
have made a wreck of the Midge and the cap- 
tain replied grimly, when Ernset asked what 
they were to do : 

“ We’ll have to run entirely around the is- 


A WEIKD SCENE 


41 


land. Then, if we can’t find a landin’ place, 
it’s a case of puttin’ about, with big chances of 
bein’ swamped.” 

‘‘ There comes a vessel !” Perry shouted, as he 
pointed from the starboard window, and, looking 
out. Captain Jake recognized the sloop-rigged 
boat which had passed the Midge in the swamp, 
with the three black men on board. 


CHAPTER IV 


THE WRECK 


glimpse of the sloop standing toward 



the island told Captain Jake beyond a 
question that there had been good foundation for 
his previous suspicion. Only very weighty rea- 
sons could have induced these men to cross the 
Sound in such a gale, and this fact gave evidence 
of what manner of enemies the old pirate had. 

The Midge was in a dangerous position, unable 
to make harbor on either shore ; but yet her 
owner paid more attention to the little craft 
which was trying to beat dead to windward than 
to the safety of himself and his passengers. 

WeVe got to find something in the way of a 
shelter before long,’^ he said to Ernest ; but if 
there was any livin’ chance of bein’ able to run 
across the Sound I’d try it rather than trust my- 
self on the island with them black fellers.” 


42 


THE WRECK 


43 


Twenty minutes later, when tlie Midge was 
within half a mile of the shore and standing to 
windward of the old pirate’s home, Perry uttered 
a cry of dismay as he pointed astern, and for 
one instant all hands believed the sloop had gone 
down. 

During these few seconds nothing could be 
seen of the little craft, and then, struggling des- 
perately against the mighty wind, the mast-head 
appeared above a huge wave, as she scudded 
before the gale in the direction of Sandy 
Point. 

Captain Jake said : They’ve given it up, and 
put about ; but it shows us what chance we 
should have in tryin’ the same maneuver. The 
Midge would go down like a stone if we jammed 
her into the trough of the sea, as they did the 
sloop.” 

“Well, we needn’t worry about them any 
longer, although it doesn’t seem to me that they 
tried very hard to get at Captain Dorr,” Ernest 
said in a tone of relief. 

“ If there had been a sailor man aboard he’d 


44 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


have known how foolish it was to heat dead into 
the teeth of the gale, and given up the job an 
hour ago,” Captain Jake replied as he turned 
his attention to the Midge once more. She was 
now so near the island and in such shoal water 
that all his skill at the helm was needed. 

Perry looked after the sloop, but she remained 
in view only a few moments. 

At this point the wind from the ocean had full 
sweep, and as the little steamer rose on the crest 
of each succeeding wave it seemed as if she was 
held motionless several seconds before taking the 
downward plunge. At each leap she divided the 
water with her sharp bows, sending flood after 
flood into the cockpit, until it was necessary to 
work the siphon at full head to relieve her of 
the load, despite the danger of lessening the 
steam power. 

'‘I’d give half the money I shall earn this 
season to know what the soundings are here,” 
Captain Jake said anxiously, as he held the 
Midge midway between the island and the bar 
which separated the land-locked waters from the 


THE WRECK 


45 


ocean. “One solid thump just now, and our 
cruise would come to an end mighty quick.’’ 

Another hour passed, and yet not the slightest 
indentation could he seen on the shore. The old 
pirate did not show himself to pilot them in, and 
this last fact disturbed the owner of the tiny 
steamer quite as much as the first. 

“ If he’s expectin’ the widder, it only stands 
to reason he oughter be on the lookout to show 
us a landin’ jDlace.” 

“ Perhaps he has moved since writing the 
letter,” Ernest suggested, and Captain Jake re- 
plied between his teeth as he dashed the salt 
spray from his eyes : 

“I wish the old heathen had moved before 
writin’ it, and then we shouldn’t be in this box.” 

When the gloom of night began to settle over 
the angry waters the little steamer was off the 
northernmost point of the island, and being 
forced by the Avind nearer the shore each mo- 
ment. The Avorking of the siphon decreased 
the poAver, until the screAV hardly held her 
steady against the gale, and Captain Jake, 


46 


THE BKAGAlSrZA DIAMOND 


who had been silent fully fifteen minutes, said 
hoarsely : 

‘‘We’ve got to pretty nigh the end of our 
rope, boys. There ain’t more’n one chance in a 
hundred of gettin’ across the Sound without 
swampin’ ; hut we’ve got to try for it, or go 
ashore here, where the little craft would be stove, 
to pieces in five minutes.” 

“ Why can’t we run up under the lee of the 
bar, and anchor ?” Perry asked in a trembling 
voice. 

“ Because in the first j)lace there’s no lee to 
that sandspit, an’ then again the Avater’s so shal- 
low Ave should strike before gettin’ Avithin three 
hundred yards of the shore. There’s no boldin’ 
ground hereabouts, an’ I’m goin’ to come around 
now, so in case she swamped there’ll be a chance 
of reaching the j)oint. Get the Avomen out of 
the cabin ; buckle on the life preservers, an’ we’ll 
take the risk of Avreckin’ the handsomest little 
yacht ever seen on Hampton Boads.” 

The boys kncAV Avith what affection Captain 
Jake regarded the Midge, and, understanding 


THE WRECK 


47 


perfectly well that he would not voluntarily 
put her in jeopardy, made no further sugges- 
tions. 

Although Mrs. Houghton and Mazie had been 
shut up in the cabin all day, they fully realized 
the desperate condition of affairs, and when 
Perry assisted them into the cockpit both strug- 
gled bravely to conceal their fears. 

In few words Captain Jake explained what 
was to be done, and when a life preserver had 
been fastened on each one, the steamer was 
brought around into the trough of the sea. 

Down, down in the abyss of waters the Midge 
plunged broadside on, and for several seconds it 
seemed as if she would never rise again. The 
port rail was submerged ; the fires were extin- 
guished with an angry hiss of steam, and when 
she finally floated on the next wave, the wind 
held her down on her beam ends. The screw, 
raised above the surface, was useless, and conse- 
quently all command of the little craft was at an 
end. 

“Standby!” Captain Jake shouted hoarsely. 


48 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


Unless she rights mighty soon we’ll feel the 
bottom !” 

Then, clearing away the raffle of ropes from 
the bow, he stood with his arms around Mrs. 
Houghton, and the boys did their best to protect 
Mazie, while the Midge was tossed about like a 
chip, half submerged, until with a crash which 
shook every timber, she struck full fifty yards 
from the shore. 

There was no possibility of carrying into effect 
any plan which may have been formed. All 
were thrown into the sea by the first shock, and 
each struck out instinctively in the effort to save 
his or her life. 

The boys had intended to swim ashore on 
either side of Mazie; but the violence of the 
waves tore them asunder. They were tossed to 
and fro until all three lost consciousness, after 
many ineffectual attempts to withstand the 
strength of the undertow. 

When Ernest recovered his senses he was lying 
high uj) on the beach, with Perry chafing his 
hands and calling upon him to speak, while but 


THE WRECK 


49 


a few paces away Captain Jake and Mrs. 
Houghton were performing the same office for 
Mazie. 

‘‘ How did I get ashore T' Ernest asked, and 
Perry replied : 

‘‘The captain and I pulled out first Mrs. 
Houghton, then you, and afterwards Mazie. I 
must have been taken charge of by a big wave, 
for I found myself quite a distance up the beach 
when the old man landed.^’ 

Mazie’s recovery was none the less rapid than 
Ernest’s. Even before Perry finished his ex- 
planation she was on her feet, and the captain 
said hurriedly : 

“We must find old Winny’s hut before it 
grows so dark that we can’t see our way.” 

“ Are you sure this is his island ?” Mrs. Hough- 
ton asked. “It doesn’t seem probable, or we 
should have seen him before this.” 

“ It’s the second one east by south from the 
southerly point of Poanoke,” Captain Jake re- 
jDlied ; “ but I’m inclined to think the old man 
has gone away. Howsomever, he couldn’t have 
4 


50 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


taken his hut with him, an’ we must get Mazie 
there as quick as possible.” 

Setting out at random across the island, which 
was covered with a sparse growth of pines, the 
little party walked at full speed for ten minutes 
before they succeeded in finding a small build- 
ing, half buried in the sand, near the western 
shore. 

Wait here a moment,” the captain said, as a 
sudden thought came to him. I reckon I’d 
better go ahead, for there’s no knowin’ how the 
old man might cut up if all of us suddenly 
stepped in on him.” 

As he went on alone, the others heard first a 
knock, and, a moment later, the creaking of a 
door on its hinges. 

Five minutes passed, and then the feeble rays 
of a lamp could be seen through one tiny 
window. 

“ Captain Dorr is at home,” Ernest said in a 
tone of relief. ‘^He must have been asleep. 
Let’s hurry on and get out of this wind, for it 
makes a fellow chilly when his clothes are wet 
through.” 


THE WKECK 


51 


The little party advanced without hesitation ; 
but before they reached the building the owner 
of the ill-fated Midge emerged, and, although 
they could not see his face owing to the darkness, 
the tone of his voice betrayed great agitation. 

I don’t know whether it’s best for you to go 
in there or not,” he said, hesitatingly, to Mrs. 
Houghton ; and yet all hands need a shelter.” 

“ What is the matter ? Isn’t my uncle there ?” 

The old caj)tain has made his last cruise,” 
was the reply, in a reverential tone. 

“ Dead ?” Mrs. Houghton cried. 

“ From appearances I should say he died 
within the past twenty-four hours; and the 
question is whether you’ll go in, or shall we try 
to make a shelter ?” 

It is necessary some one perform the last 
offices for him, and I see no reason why we 
should hesitate about entering,” Mrs. Houghton 
replied calmly, and then without further remark 
she led the way into the house. 

Neither of the younger members of the party 
paid very much attention to the interior of this 


52 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


hut, wherein the old pirate had lived so many 
years, because of the inanimate form which lay 
upon the rude bed in one corner. However 
stormy the old captain’s life may have been, his 
end was evidently peaceful. It seemed as if he 
had lain down for a nap, and the dread messenger 
found him asleep. 

Captain Jake drew the coarse woolen blanket 
over the body, and then set about building a 
roaring fire, while the others gathered around it, 
enjoying the grateful warmth. 

It was some time before any of the party cared 
to move around, the shrouded form on the couch 
seeming to hold all in awe, and then the captain 
called Ernest to assist him in gathering wood. 

To reach the door from the fireplace it was 
necessary to pass a table, which also served as a 
writing desk, and as Ernest glanced involuntarily 
toward it he saw a folded paper, bearing the in- 
scription : 

FOE MY NIECE, MES. HAEEIET HOUGHTON. 

He must have just been writing you a letter,” 
the boy said, as he handed the document to the 
widow. 


THE WRECK 


53 


It’s the story of the diamonds, and probably 
explains what he wishes done with them,” Mrs. 
Houghton said, after a hasty glance at the manu- 
script, and Captain Jake, remembering the sloop 
with her crew of black men, added hurriedly : 

You had better read it now, for we may not 
be alone very long, after this wind fines down so 
a sailin’ craft can get here from Sandy Point. 
Ernest an’ I’ll bring in wood enough to last 
through the night, an’ then we’ll hear the yarn.” 


CHAPTER V 


THE OLD PIKATE S STORY 


Y^ITH her companions sitting close beside 
her, and looking fixedly at the fire as if 
not daring to let their gaze wander toward that 
portion of the room where lay the pirate’s body, 
Mrs. Houghton read the following : 

When I was in command of the Terror — I 
have forgotten the date, and it is not necessary — 
we sighted a ship ashore on the Florida reefs, 
and at once bore down upon her, for in those 
days a wreck in that locality usually meant a 
good haul in the way of salvage. She proved to 
he the Don Felix, from Brazil to New York 
with coffee and spices. It was a singular situa- 
tion for a vessel on such a cruise ; but I after- 
wards learned she was to make port at Hayti, 
being blown out of her course by stress of 
weather. This portion of the story is of but 
54 


THE OLD pirate’s STORY 55 

little consequence, save as it shows that the at- 
tempt to land these passengers caused the wreck. 

‘‘ When we reached her there were on board 
the third mate, cook (the remainder of the crew 
having been lost during the gale), and three pas- 
sengers, who were black as the ace of spades, hut 
not showing any other trace of African blood. 

“ After taking what we needed from the cargo, 
and promising to land the mate and cook at Key 
West, I was approached by the oldest of the 
blacks, a man about my own age, with a propo- 
sition to take them to their destination, but the 
price offered was so great as to excite my suspi- 
cions. Although we had overhauled the cabin 
without finding any valuables, I determined on 
another search, this time obliging the passengers 
to remove their clothing, when we discovered 
Brazilian paper money to the value of about five 
thousand dollars, and six large diamonds which 
had the appearance of having formed one enor- 
mous stone. 

As a matter of course we took possession of 
this property. The money was divided among 


56 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


our crew, but the stones I retained as my share. 
The black men paid very little attention to the 
loss of the money, but were wild with fury when 
the diamonds were taken. Through the mate 
who understood something of their lingo, they 
begged and entreated me to return the stones, 
and when refused, cursed and raved like mad- 
men. They vowed that the jewels should never 
benefit a single human being, save in the especial 
direction to which they had been consecrated, 
and swore by all the saints in the calendar to 
devote their lives to my death and the recovery 
of the treasure. Their curses troubled me as 
little as did their prayers. I offered to set them 
ashore with the other survivors ; but this service 
was refused with more vows against my life. 

The three were still howling when we left the 
wreck, and I had no doubt but that the sea 
would quiet their noise in a very short time. 
There was every prospect of a gale from the 
west, and the Don Felix would go to pieces before 
nightfall, consequently their threats to kill me 
seemed idle. 


THE OLD PIKATE’s STOEY 


07 


“We landed the men as agreed, and started 
on a cruise to the Caribbean Sea. In two months 
we made harbor at St. Domingo. I still had the 
diamonds. There was no opportunity to dispose 
of them, and, intending soon to resign command 
of the Terror, I believed they would make a very 
comfortable nest-egg for life on shore. While 
here I chanced to hear from the natives that it 
had been predicted by one of the voudoo priests 
that the negroes would be successful in over- 
coming the rule of the whites only when the 
largest diamond in the world, riven into six 
pieces, should be sent to as many different sec- 
tions of the island. I now had a clew to the be- 
havior of the men whom we found on the 
wreck, and before leaving port got a reasonably 
good idea of what I had in my possession. 

“ Jose Gomez, the trader, to whom we con- 
signed our cargoes, and who did not let any 
scruples stand in the way of making a penny, 
told me of the voudoo’s prediction, and added 
that interwoven with the history of his family 
was an account of the largest diamond ever found. 
The yarn ran something like this : 


58 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


An ancestor of his, bearing the same name, 
with two other Brazilians of the Sousa family, 
were convicted of murder in the year 1790, and 
sentenced to he executed. This was commuted 
to banishment from every town and city in the 
country — a form of punishment common in 
those days. For six years they wandered in the 
vicinity of the river Abaite, searching for gold, 
and one day had the good fortune to find a dia- 
mond weighing nearly an ounce. Believing it 
might be the means of obtaining for them a 
pardon, they consulted a priest, who accom- 
panied them to Villa Rica, and succeeded in 
gaining an audience with the governor. The 
stone was sent to Bio Janeiro in charge of the 
priest, who returned with the documents which 
made the discoverers free men. 

“ The diamond was named the Braganza. It 
was taken to Portugal and Don John II had it 
pierced that it might be suspended from his 
neck. The jewel was afterwards pledged in 
Brazil in order to obtain money with which to 
carry on a war against the French, and there it 


THE OLD pirate’s STORY 59 

mysteriously disappeared, no traces of it ever 
having been found. 

“ That stone, Gomez tells me, was probably 
the largest ever seen, and to carry out the pre- 
diction of the Haytien voudoos, it would he 
necessary for them to gain possession of it. It 
was then rumored that some members of the 
heathen faith living in Rio had stolen the jewel, 
and were waiting until it could safely he brought 
to light, the negroes of the island believing the 
time was near at hand. 

“ On receiving this information I resolved to 
trust a certain merchant who had never been 
false to my interests. Upon inspecting the 
stones he unhesitatingly pronounced them to he 
the fragments of the Braganza, but refused to 
buy them. 

^ My life would not he worth a penny if those 
were in my possession,’ he said. ‘ To let it he 
known you have those jewels will not only cause 
you no end of trouble from the Brazilian govern- 
ment, hut every negro on the island would fol- 
low you to death. Take my advice ; do not try 


60 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


to sell them, but throw the entire lot overboard 
without delay. While I do not believe in the 
prediction that the diamond will never benefit 
any human being save when used by those who 
would make of Hayti the chief place for the 
practice of their inhuman rites, you could not 
hire me to take charge of one of the fragments.’ 

This story disturbed me, yet I had no idea 
of throwing away six gems whose value was un- 
doubtedly enormous ; hut I took the precaution 
of concealing them on hoard the brig. One 
evening, forty-eight hours later, when going to 
pay Gomez a visit, the three black men, whom 
we had left on board the wreck, suddenly ap- 
peared. There was but little opportunity for re- 
sistance, and in a few seconds I had a knife thrust 
through my arm, while nothing but the thickness 
of a leathern waistcoat prevented a second. I had 
participated in too many broils to be a passive 
victim. With my hack against a wall I used 
my pistols to such effect that the residents in the 
immediate vicinity rushed to the rescue, while 
my assailants fled to avoid capture. 


THE OLD pirate’s STORY 61 

‘‘How they escaped from the wreck in the 
face of the gale which sprang up in less than 
four hours after we left, I am unable to say. 
There was good proof of their being alive, how- 
ever, and during the next two years there was 
hardly a port into which we sailed where I did 
not meet either these three black men, or some 
of their emissaries. A twelve months’ cruise 
under the black flag would not be productive of 
so many hand-to-hand conflicts as I had until 
resigning command of the Terror. These blacks 
seemed to have some supernatural means of dis- 
covering my whereabouts, and I am willing now 
to confess that they did finally succeed in fright- 
ening me. Two more attempts to sell the jewels 
prevented a third; but, however alarmed I might 
be, there was no intention on my part to hand 
the stones over to those who had first stolen 
them. 

“ One day in Havana, after a desperate fight 
with two burly negroes, I gave out that we were 
about to sail for Trinidad, and left port in accord- 
ance with such intention, steering well toward 


62 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


the Leeward Islands before hauling around for 
Hampton Roads. In order to avoid leaving 
any traces regarding the movements of the Ter- 
ror, I took to the gig when we were two miles 
off the coast, and made my way to this island, 
where for twenty years I have lived without 
daring to visit the mainland oftener than once 
or twice each year. 

Three months ago, while in Beaufort, I saw 
the same men from whom I took the diamonds. 
Their hair was white and their forms bent with 
age ; but every one looked strong enough to out- 
live me, and I have resolved to give these stones, 
which have been a source of unhappiness rather 
than pleasure, into the keej)ing of some member 
of my family. That they shall not fall into the 
clutches of those black imps, I am determined, 
for after a twenty years’ fight I will hold the 
secret of their whereabouts until I am dead, un- 
less before then I succeed in speaking with some 
of my own flesh and blood.” 

At this point there was a blank space, as if 
the writer had finished his story, and then were 


THE OLD PIEATE^S STORY 


63 


added, in more irregular penmanship, these 
lines : 

Last night a trader from Norfolk anchored 
off the island, and by him I have sent a letter to 
my niece, Harriet Houghton. If she arrives in 
time all will be well ; but I feel that my end is 
near at hand. During the past week I have been 
sick, although still able to move about as usual ; 
but there is within me that sensation of a general 
breaking up and decay which tells of the final 
hour. 

“ In case she does not arrive until after I am 
dead, it is possible those who have followed me 
so long will discover my hiding-place, and make 
another attempt to regain the diamonds. In 
which event they will fail, for the jewels can only 
be found by reading correctly ” 

Here the manuscript ended abruptly. It was 
as if the old pirate had been stricken down by the 
grim messenger even before the sentence could 
be completed. ^ 

Without, the wind howled and whistled around 
the rude dwelling ; the waves beat against the 


64 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


shore with a booming sound like distant thunder; 
but within nothing ‘save the crackling of the 
flames could be heard. The living occupants of 
the room sat gazing at each other as if affrighted 
by what had been read, while on the couch lay 
the cold form of him who in life had defied all 
the laws of God and man ; but who in death 
seemed calm and peaceful, disturbed neither by 
the warring elements nor the passion of his fel- 
lows. 


CHAPTER VI 


AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 

captain was the first to break the painful 
silence which had come upon the little 
party, and his exclamation was not calculated 
to reassure them. 

WeVe got ourselves into a nice fix an’ all for 
nothin’. The Midge has gone to pieces by this 
time ; I’m out about two thousand dollars, an’ 
we may have to stay here a month before a craft 
passes near enough to be hailed, for traders are 
not likely to visit this place unless driven in by 
stress of weather.” 

‘‘ Perhaps the tender has not been stove, and 
with her we could cross the Sound on a calm 
day,” Ernest suggested ; but the captain replied, 
gloomily : 

It isn’t much of a chance, my boy. Listen 
to the pounding of the surf, and then fancy how 
5 65 


66 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


long that cockle-shell of a boat could withstand 
such blows.” 

“ Didn’t my uncle have a craft ?” Mrs. Hough- 
ton asked. He was obliged to visit some town 
to purchase food, and must have had the means 
of leaving the island. We could find that boat 
and thus provide ourselves with the means of 
getting away.” 

Well, now, I hadn’t thought of that,” and 
Captain Jake’s face brightened decidedly. We’ll 
have a look around in the mornin’, after we give 
him a Christian burial.” 

But suppose we can’t find a boat ?” Perry 
asked, determined to know the exact position of 
affairs. ‘‘ Won’t it be possible to build some- 
thing on which we can cross the Sound ?” 

I reckon there are trees enough to make a 
raft ; but we’d be a deal worse off fioatin’ round, 
than here and the captain’s face grew gloomy 
once more. There’s no use to figger on any- 
thing like that; we’ll have to stay till some 
craft puts in. Now about them diamonds: he 
says they can only be found by readin’ correctly, 


AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 67 

an’ there the story stops. What is it we’ve got 
to read ? There’s all night before us to figger it 
out in, for I don’t reckon any of this crowd feel 
very much like goin’ to sleep with that in the 
room,” and Captain Jake glanced toward the 
shrouded figure on the bed. 

The hut was hut sparsely furnished. One 
chair, a long bench, a sea-chest half filled with 
provisions, and a table which served as a desk, 
made up the list of furniture. On the wall, directly 
over the fireplace, hung an ancient fowling- 
piece, a rusty cutlass, and a pair of horse pistols. 
Above the table was a small mirror, and stand- 
ing upon a shelf in one corner were several nau- 
tical instruments, deeply corroded by time. At 
the side of the room on a similar shelf was an old 
book, minus its binding, but otherwise showing 
no signs of having been very much used. 

This was the only article of reading matter, 
save the manuscript, to be seen, and exactly the 
reverse in character of what might be expected 
in the dwelling of a retired pirate. 

Mazie took it down, and read aloud the fol- 
lowing title page : 


68 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


PHISICKE 
AGAINST FAMINE. 

EXPOUNDED IN CERTAIN SERMONS BY 

WILLIAM ATTEESOLL. 

PRINTED IN LONDON FOR MICHAEL SPARKE, 

THE YOUNGER, DWELLING AT THE BLUE 
BIBLE IN GREENE ARBOR. 

1632. 

Let us hope that he read it often,’’ Mrs. 
Houghton said, fervently ; hut Captain J ake, 
who had very little respect for the dead pirate, 
replied bluntly : 

It doesn’t look as if there’d been much 
studyin’ done, or else he was a mighty careful 
man with books.” 

Mazie glanced over the pages ; but the quaint 
orthography made reading difficult, and after a 
few moments she replaced the ancient volume on 
the shelf as the others turned their attention to 
the table. 

In the one drawer were found a number of 
papers, but a hasty glance failed to reveal any- 
thing concerning the diamonds. A brief search 
of the room wac. attended with the same vain re- 


AN UNEXPECTED AEKIVAL 


69 


suits. It seemed positive tliat the Braganza, 
after having been hidden from the world so long, 
was finally lost, and with varying emotions the 
little party seated themselves by the fire to await 
the coming of day. 

Mazie, however, devoted the remainder of the 
night to the study of the manuscript left by 
Captain Dorr, trying to discover some clew there- 
in which would enable her to find the hidden 
jewels, for the concluding words of the story 
caused her to believe that, if one could ‘‘ read 
correctly,’’ somewhere within the written lines 
would be found the secret. 

With the first faint light of day. Captain Jake, 
accompanied by the two boys, set out for the 
beach, and there, at the point where she had 
been driven ashore, lay all that remained of the 
Midge. A half submerged hull, a few floating 
timbers, a fragment of the tender, thrown high 
up on the shore, told the story. 

Well, boys, she’s gone, an’ there’s no use 
cryin’ over spilt milk,” the old man said, in a 
lugubrious tone. '' Let’s turn to and pull up 


70 


THE* BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


the wreckage, for everything will come in handy 
if we have to stay here long.’’ 

The three set to work in good earnest. Tim- 
bers were dragged ashore, and, after half an 
hour’s labor, they found a tub of butter, two 
boxes of biscuit, the water breakers, and a small 
store of provisions which the waves could not 
destroy. 

I’m thinkin’ we shall be on short allowance 
before a week goes by,” the captain said, with a 
sigh, as they ceased their toil because there was 
nothing more to be done. It ain’t likely Cap- 
tain Winny had any too much grub on hand, an’ 
everything we find now will count. Let’s go 
back to the house, finish the job there, and then 
have a look on the other side of the island. Some 
of the stuff may have drifted ashore there.” 

On arriving at the hut, Mrs. Houghton and 
Mazie 'were found busily engaged overhauling 
the kitchen utensils and the sea-chest which had 
served the old pirate as a pantry. 

Captain Jake held a whispered consultation 
with the widow, and when it was concluded he 


AN UNEXPECTED AERIVAL 


71 


left the house once more, beckoning the hoys to 
follow. When they were outside, he whispered : 

“ WeVe got to bury him, an’ the sooner it’s 
done the better.” 

It was a mournful task, but one that could not 
he evaded. After searching in vain for a shovel 
the three scooped out a grave at the southernmost 
point of the island, using fragments of the 
wreck as tools. 

There, where he had lived so many years in 
constant fear, the former commander of the Ter- 
ror was buried with simple but Christian rites. 
Mrs. Houghton repeated such of the service for 
the dead as she remembered, while the boys and 
Captain Jake covered from view forever in this 
world the one who had lived in defiance of 
all the laws of God and man. 

Now it stands us in hand to fix up this 
shanty, so we can live here comfortable like, for 
nobody knows how long we’re likely to stay,” 
Captain Jake said, when they returned to the 
hut. It may be that we can hit upon some 
scheme for finding the diamonds.” 


72 


THE ERAGANZA DIA.^rOND 


Then ail hands set about the task, but when 
the work of cleaning the interior was finished, 
nothing had been found. Mazie now fancied 
the secret might be discovered in the ancient 
book, and she and Ernest sat down to study it 
while Mrs. Houghton began to prepare breakfast. 
Perry occupied himself by carefully examining 
the Avoodwork of the building, as if fancying 
some secret hiding place Avould be found in the 
timbers. 

The morning meal Avas served at a very late 
hour in the forenoon, and before it was con- 
cluded Perry sprang up from the table, as he 
cried excitedly : 

Say ! People always tell about hiding things 
under the stones of the hearth, and I’m going 
to see if there is anything here.” 

Pulling the old cutlass from the wooden pegs 
which supported it, he began to pry up the flat 
rocks immediately in front of the fireplace ; and 
before the others had even thought of joining 
him, a loud cry of triumph burst from his lips : 

We’ve found it at last!” he shouted. ‘Hf 


UNEXPECTED AKEIVAL 


73 


Captain Dorr wanted to keep those black men 
from getting at these things, or anybody else, for 
that matter, he should have hunted for a better 
hiding place than this has turned out to be.’^ 

Trembling with excitement, the remainder of 
the party gathered around Perry as he lifted 
from an iron pot which was deeply imbedded in 
the earth, half a dozen antique watches, twice as 
many necklaces set with precious stones, and a 
handful of rings — some of plain gold, others 
fashioned in curious shapes, and not a few in- 
crusted with jewels. Then came chains of gold 
and silver, small bars of the same precious metal, 

, and perhaps fifty coins of various denominations ; 
but when the pot had been emptied, the frag- 
ments of the all-important Braganza were still 
missing. 

It was a veritable pirate’s hoard, as any one 
who might have found it would say, and the look 
of melancholy on Captain Jake’s face was imme- 
diately dispelled ; for, in this pile of precious 
metal, probably gathered by the commission of 
many crimes, he saw enough to repay him for 
the loss of the Midge several times over. 


74 


THE BRAGANZA. DIAMOND 


“ Here’s what makes it worth while cornin’,’’ 
he said, joyously ; an’ seein’ as how your ’re old 
Winny’s only heir, I don’t suppose there’s any 
question about who owns this stuff, for most 
likely the original holders gave up all claims 
when they had to walk the plank.” 

‘‘ If there is enough to pay for the Midge I 
am satisfied,” Mrs. Houghton said, in a tone of 
thankfulness, hut making no attempt to gather 
up the valuable collection. It seemed to both 
her and Mazie as if they could see blood on the 
jewels, and almost hear the cries of those from 
whom they were taken. 

Ernest, Perry, and Captain Jake had no such 
scruples. They carried the horde to the table 
in order to make an inventory, as the latter sug- 
gested, and the last piece of jewelry had but just 
been picked up, when the door was flung open 
violently, disclosing three white-haired black 
men, who stood on the threshold with drawn re- 
volvers. 

Mrs. Houghton screamed. Captain Jake 
raised his arm before his face as if to ward off an 
expected bullet, and the boys made all haste to 


AX UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL 


75 


shelter themselves behind the sea-chest. Mazie 
was the only one who did not appear to he 
frightened. 

“ What do you want here T she asked, boldly. 

‘‘We have come to see Captain Winslow 
Dorr,'’ the oldest replied ; and Mrs Houghton, 
recovering somewhat from her fear, said, 
solemnly : 

“We also came for the same purpose, hut 
found him dead, and have just buried him." 

The men seemed disconcerted for a moment, 
and, without lowering their weapons, consulted 
in whispers, after which the spokesman said 
sternly : 

“ During many years we have sought for him, 
to recover that of which he robbed us. His 
death, however, can have no other effect than to 
render our mission more easy of accomplish- 
ment." 


CHAPTER VII 


THE SEARCH 


"Y^^HILE the black man was speaking, Captain 
Jake’s glance fell upon the jewelry and 
coins which were spread on the table, and the 
fear that these might he seized by the intruders 
gave him unusual courage. 

Regardless of the weapons, he moved toward 
the fire as if bent on assuming a more comfort- 
able position, and while the black men were 
trying to decide how their search should be be- 
gun, he seized one of the rusty horse pistols from 
the wall. Aiming it point-blank at the nearest 
stranger, he pulled the trigger. 

It is possible that serious injury might have 
been inflicted upon some person in the room if 
the ancient weapon had been discharged. For- 
tunately it was an old flint-lock, and inasmuch as 
there was no priming in the pan, the hammer 
fell harmlessly upon the stone. 

76 


THE SEAECH 


77 


Before the old man could so much as raise his 
hand again, the intruders were upon him. In 
an instant two were holding him by either arm, 
while the third stood near by with drawn revol- 
ver to prevent the boys from attempting a rescue. 

It is our purpose to recover that for which 
we have sought so long,’’ the eldest of the party 
said, while he dexterously lashed the captain to 
the chair with a thin but strong piece of whip- 
cord. ‘‘In order to prevent any interference 
with our work, it is necessary that we make pris- 
oners of you all for a short time.” 

Captain Jake gave vent to a deep groan. The 
pirate’s hoard, from which he expected to be paid 
for the loss of the Midge, had already attracted 
the attention of the new-comers, and the belief 
that all this would be taken from him had caused 
the outburst of sorrow. 

“ Do the cords bind too tightly ?” one of the 
strangers asked solicitously, and the old man 
shook his head despondently, as he replied : 

“ It ain’t the hurt to my flesh that I’m thinkin’ 
about.” 


78 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Then two of the men went toward Ernest, and 
he, recognizing the uselessness of resistance, said, 
before they could lay their hands on him : 

Simply tell me what is wanted, and I’ll do 
all I can toward forwarding matters, in order 
that your business may be finished as soon as 
possible.” 

You are very wise,” the leader said, affably. 
‘‘ It is not our intention to be unnecessarily harsh; 
but we have come for our own property, and do 
not intend to run any risk of failure. If you 
and the other young gentleman will take a seat 
on the bench, we will try not to inflict pain while 
preventing you from meddling with us.” 

Obeying this order, the boys seated them- 
selves, and in a few moments their hands and 
feet were bound together, the cords passing di- 
rectly beneath the bench, but in such a manner 
as to allow them some little freedom of move- 
ment. 

‘‘ I beg your pardon,” the man then said to 
Mrs. Houghton and Mazie, ‘‘but if you were 
fully aware of our position, it would be possible 


THE SEARCH 


79 


to understand why we should neglect no precau- 
tions.” 

Even while speaking, he began to tie their 
hands, and when this had been done, led them 
to the bench beside the boys, as he added, If 
you give us your word not to rise without our per- 
mission, there will be no necessity of fastening 
you as securely as the others.” 

‘‘ Are three of you afraid of two women 
whose hands are tied behind their backs?” 
Mazie asked angrily, and Mrs. Houghton, after 
a warning glance at her daughter, said quietly : 

‘‘We will do as you command, since there is 
no alternative.” 

Bowing politely, the man rejoined his com- 
panions, who had already begun to search the 
hut. 

One careless glance at the treasure set out on 
the table appeared to be sufficient for the in- 
truders, and they paid no further attention to it, 
save to observe the place where it had been found. 
Here, using the cutlass as Perry had done, the 
stones of the hearth were quickly overturned. 


80 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Nothing could be seen save the earth, and 
this they dug to the depth of three or four feet, 
but without being rewarded for their labor. 

One of the men then spoke a few words in a 
language which none of the prisoners under- 
stood, and the interior of the cabin was immedi- 
ately subjected to the most careful scrutiny. Be- 
ginning at the fireplace, they sounded or hacked 
into every joist or plank, and after becoming 
satisfied that no cavity existed in the wood, their 
attention was turned toward the desk. 

The papers were taken out and examined one 
by one, each in turn being thrown on the floor 
as the men mastered its contents or were con- 
vinced that it did not relate to the diamond. 

Among these documents was a single sheet of 
brown paper, covered with several lines of fig- 
ures, which, fluttering as it fell, dropped directly 
in front of Mazie, attracting her attention be- 
cause the characters were placed one after the 
other without apparent aim or purpose. It 
seemed the work of a child rather than of a man, 
and, interested in it simply because it appeared 


THE SEAKCH 


81 


to be a foolish thing for the old pirate to have 
preserved so carefully, she studied each line. 

Not very interesting reading, surely, nor one 
that would enchain the attention, save for its 
oddity, as will be seen by the following, which 
is an exact copy of the original document : 

97 64 84 68 84 72 95 95 54 75 22 76 67 45 69 23 56 55 85 87 75 87 
43 75 75 95 55 103 85 62 46 26 93 67 85 75 36 62 67 85 45 95 85 83 
63 58 53 53 63 84 66 33 36 74 76 85 59 63 35 54 53 66 75 104 43 83 
78 74 73 86 76 53 35 24 76 84 65 98 36 62 76 66 75 106 104 66 86 
45 75 72 94 84 52 65 54 66 76 46 76 66 55 35 53 64 93 86 54 76 77 
96 75 84 62 55 75 35 93 64 76 78 63 24 68 75 76 94 86 83 77 78 66 
82 75 102 64 65 53 75 77 77 56 46 43 34 83 76 76 84 43 76 78 63 76 
85 102 22 46 62 76 77 87 86 45 62 35 84 57 85 97 53 93 45 66 73 85 
73 55 54 62 75 64 85 85 66 62 74 53 67 95 97 57 93 67 86 76 64 102 
62 66 45 85 87 78 76 55 44 74 74 87 84 94 56 93 75. 

While Mazie was thus engaged the strangers 
not only emptied the drawers of the table, after 
throwing the treasure carelessly on the floor, but 
splintered every portion of the woodwork, as if 
expecting to find some secret recess. 

Here, as at the fireplace, they were disap- 
pointed, and then the sea-chest was subjected to 
the same treatment. The cutlass served admir- 
ably as a hatchet, and in a few moments this 
6 


82 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


second piece of furniture was converted into 
kindlings. The rude bedstead shared the same 
fate, and Captain Jake muttered grimly to the 
boys : 

‘‘If they’re goin’ to search like this much 
longer, there won’t be a roof over our heads by 
nightfall.” 

The old book upon the shelf was next ex- 
amined, between the leaves of which Mazie had 
placed the manuscript relating to the diamond, 
and this the intruders discovered as a matter of 
course. Each in turn read it carefully, despite 
the time thus necessarily consumed, and when 
this had been done they were evidently non- 
plused. 

Until this moment Mazie had considered the 
j)aper at her feet as a curiosity rather than any- 
thing valuable ; but now that the men were 
studying the manuscript so intensely, she re- 
membered the conclusion of the story as well as 
if the words were yet before her eyes. “ They 
can only be found by reading correctly.” Surely 
that could not refer to the story itself, unless 


THE SEARCH 


83 


within the lines were some intricate cryptogram, 
she argued, and this last thought was sufficient 
to invest the figures with a new significance. 

It was difficult to repress a cry of delight at 
having solved what she fancied might he the be- 
ginning of the mystery, and then, struggling to 
regain her composure, with her feet she drew the 
paper under the bench where it would not attract 
attention. 

Ernest saw the movement, and leaning for- 
ward, was about to ask some questions when she 
checked him by a decided shake of the head, 
motioning him to pay strict attention to the 
movements of the men. 

They were yet discussing that which had been 
read, giving no heed to the prisoners until the 
oldest of the three evidently made some sugges- 
tion to his companions, after which he ap- 
proached Captain Jake and asked : 

Did you read the story of the Braganza as 
written by the pirate 

“ Yes ; an’ that’s all I got out of it. If there 


84 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


are any diamonds around here we can’t find 
’em.” 

“ How can I tell that you have not secreted 
them about your person ?” 

You’ll find out mighty quick by searchin’, 
though I don’t know what right you’ve got to 
overhaul us.” 

It is but just that we should recover our own 
by any means.” 

“Are you the men he tells about in that 
paper ?” Captain Jake asked curiously ; and the 
stranger replied gravely : 

“We are. The robbery was committed exactly 
as he relates it, and during all these years have 
we searched for him. Nearly half the time was 
spent before we learned that he had left the Ter- 
ror, and only within a few months did we gain a 
clew to his whereabouts. Having devoted our 
lives to this task, it is not reasonable to suppose 
that anything will be allowed to stand in our way, 
therefore you will excuse us if we act upon your 
suggestion.” 

“ Considerin’ that I’m trussed up here like a 


THE SEAKCH 


85 


chicken ready for roastin’, it ain’t likely I’ll 
make much of a kick, so go ahead. If I had 
the diamonds I’d willingly give ’em up in ex- 
change for that stuff on the floor.” 

It is yours already, if you are the pirate’s 
heir. We don’t intend to take away anything 
which is not our own.” 

This assertion, made in such a tone as to con- 
vince him of the speaker’s sincerity, was suffi- 
cient to raise Captain Jake from the depth of 
despair into which he had fallen. He was now 
perfectly willing to he searched, and in five 
minutes the strangers were convinced that neither 
of the male prisoners was hiding the valuable 
stones. 

Mrs. Houghton and Mazie were called upon 
to swear that they had not seen the gems, and 
then the question was asked : 

Did you examine the clothing of the pirate 
before burying him ?” 

‘‘We never thought of it,” Captain Jake re- 
plied quickly ; “ but it isn’t too late now.” 

“ Where shall we find him ?” 


86 


THE BRAGANZA DJAMOND 


At the southernmost point of the island. It 
won’t cost much hunting to see where we were 
at work.” 

The men left the hut without delay, and the 
prisoners were at liberty to discuss the situation 
of affairs. 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE CKYPTOGEAM 

^y^HAT was it you were trying to kick under 
the bench Ernest asked, when the men 
were so far away that there was no danger of 
their words being overheard. 

I believe it is what will reveal the secret of 
the diamonds, providing, as the manuscript states, 
it can be read correctly,” Mazie replied. 

What do you mean, Mazie ?” Mrs. Houghton 
asked. 

The paper under my feet is covered with 
figures, and, as it doesn’t seem probable that my 
grand-uncle would care to scribble such things 
for amusement, I believe it is some form of secret 
writing.” 

If that is the case, then the last line of the 
manuscript is explained,” Ernest added, ex- 
citedly. 


87 


88 


THE BPvAGANZA DIAMOND 


Captain Jake was bewildered. He hardly 
understood the meaning of “ secret writing/’ and 
on being informed that Mazie’s agitation was 
caused simply by a paper on which figures were 
written apjDarently at random, he was disposed 
to consider it a foolish joke. 

“ Did you ever try to read a cipher ?” Ernest 
asked. 

Yes ; but not with very good success,” Mazie 
replied. I know two or three rules for solving 
them, and if this is a simple one it seems as if, 
between us all, we might read it.” 

‘‘ Ernest was always famous for those things,” 
Perry said, and if you can help him it will 
only be a question of time before the document 
is read.” 

“Yes,” Mazie added, “provide those black 
men go away pretty soon. Really, though, ought 
we not tell them what we think has been dis- 
covered ? They were robbed of the jewels, and 
have the best right to them.” 

“ But you forget that they stole them origi- 
nally from the Brazilian government, according 


THE CRYPTOGRAM 


89 


to the old man’s story,” Perry said, decidedly. 

Therefore they’ve got no more rights than we 
have.” 

I don’t reckon you need figger about who’s 
goin’ to have ’em,” Captain Jake said, impa- 
tiently. If that paper is all you’ve got to go 
on it’ll he a long time before the hidin’ place is 
found.” 

And we haven’t as much as got the cry|)to- 
gram in our possession yet,” Mazie added, It’s 
under my feet ; but I can’t pick it uj> until this 
rope is untied.” 

If them black fellers don’t change their 
minds about taking what we’ve found. I’ll be 
satisfied to get home without botherin’ my head 
over a diamond that, accordin’ to all accounts, 
has never brought anything but trouble to them 
who had it,” Captain Jake said, moodily. 

There’s no such good luck for us, though. We 
shall sit here trussed up till them men get ugly 
because the stones can’t be found, an’ then they’ll 
scoop in everything valuable.” 

After this outbreak the captain relapsed into 


90 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


silence, with his eyes fixed iij)oii the jewelry 
which had been thrown so carelessly on the floor, 
and the remainder of the party discussed the 
situation, but were not able to arrive at any sat- 
isfactory conclusion before their captors returned. 

It was not necessary to ask if the men had 
been successful. Without sjDcaking they began 
a second investigation of the interior, this time 
tearing up the loose board flooring, and digging 
deep into the earth. 

The afternoon was well-nigh spent when they 
ceased their useless labor, and the leader of the 
party untied the cords which bound Mrs. Hough- 
ton and Mazie, as he said : 

“ There is no reason why you should suffer 
further discomfort. Promise not to make any 
search for that which we are so anxious to find, 
and you shall at least have the liberty of the 
house.’^ 

The promise was readily given ; but before 
either of the late jDrisoners could rise to their 
feet. Captain Jake cried : 

If you’re reckonin’ on lettin’ the widder have 


THE CEYPTOGRAM 


91 


the stuff what’s been found, there’s no reason 
why she shouldn’t take possession; for if it’s 
kicked around the floor much longer more’n half 
will be lost.” 

She may do as she pleases. It is not ours,” 
the man replied ; and, obeying the captain’s im- 
ploring look, Mrs. Houghton collected the valu- 
able articles, wrapping them carefully in the 
papers thrown from the desk, among which was 
the one Mazie had kept hidden beneath her feet. 

Ernest and Perry exchanged glances of satis- 
faction as they saw the supposed cryptogram 
thus secured. 

Until nightfall the men continued the vain 
search, while Mrs. Houghton and Mazie prepared 
supper ; and, as there was no disposition on the 
part of their captors to release the prisoners, the 
cooks were forced to feed them. 

After this had been done, the widow proposed 
to serve a repast for the black men, but before 
accepting, the leader of the party said, gravely : 

Madam, we know, from the story left by the 
captain of the Terror, that the fragments of the 


92 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Bragaiiza are somewhere in this vicinity. I now 
insist that both yon and your daughter shall 
take a solemn oath of your total ignorance con- 
cerning them. Once we are convinced of that 
fact it is our purpose to tear this building apart 
plank by j^lank, and I assure yon that not one 
person at present on the island shall leave until 
we have been successful, or proven to our satis- 
faction that it is beyond the power of man to 
find the mystic stones.’’ 

“ I am willing to take any form of oath you may 
desire to the effect that I have not seen the dia- 
monds, and know nothing of their whereabouts.” 

‘‘ Will you also swear that you have no sus- 
picion, as to how they might be found ?” the 
man asked, earnestly ; and Mrs. Houghton was 
on the point of answering very decidedly in 
the affirmative, when Mazie’s remark as to the 
possibility of the figures being a cipher came 
into her mind, and she hesitated. 

‘‘ Then you do suspect something of the secret,” 
the man cried, eagerly. 

The good lady had no intention of equivocat- 


THE CRYPTOGllAM 


93 


iiig. While it might be true that she really had 
no belief in Mazie’s supposition, she could 
hardly say absolutely it was not correct. She 
replied : 

I can swear that it is impossible for me even 
to guess where Captain Dorr has hidden the 
stones ; but at the same time I am not willing to 
do so in view of what has been said while you 
were away.” 

Tell us all,” the man said, sharply. 

Mazie looked at the boys, as if asking whether 
she should take any part in this conversation, 
and Captain Jake shook his head vigorously. 
This movement was seen by one of the blacks, 
who, stepping quickly toward the old man, 
threatened him with his revolver, as he said to 
the leader ; 

If the woman doesn’t know anything, here’s 
one who does.” 

I am willing to tell all that is known by any 
of us,” Mrs. Houghton continued. My 
daughter saw lying on the floor, after you fin- 
ished examining the documents in the desk, a 


94 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


paper covered with figures, which she fancies 
may be some sort of secret writing.’^ 

Where is that paper the leader of the 
blacks demanded. 

For reply, Mrs. Houghton took from her 
pocket the jewelry and coins, unwrapping pack- 
age after package, until the desired document 
was found, and handing it to the man she said : 

This is all which has caused us to believe it 
might be possible to find the jewel spoken of in 
the story. I assure you we had no idea of such 
a thing until it was thrown upon the floor with 
the other papers, and even now I think my 
daughter is mistaken in attaching to it any 
value.’’ 

As the man took the paper eagerly, his com- 
panions standing one on either side to read the 
apparently meaningless figures, Mazie aj)- 
proached the boys and whispered : 

I think mamma is right in telling all she 
knew, for none of us could take a solemn oath 
that we had no idea whatever regarding the dia- 
monds. Besides, if they were going to tear this 


THE CRYPTOGRAM 


95 


house down and afterwards keep us on the island, 
it is better the stones were found quickly.” 

I’ve nothing to say about it,” Ernest replied 
despondently. “Of course it doesn’t concern 
Perry or me ; hut it seems too bad to tell these 
men anything after they made us sit here tied 
up all day unable to do more than wink.” 

The men paid no heed to their prisoners. 
All three were deeply engrossed in the figures, 
but without understanding them in the slightest, 
as was shown when the eldest said to Mazie : 

“ Do you know anything about this kind of 
writing ?” 

“ I have tried to solve a cipher several times, 
simply for my own amusement.” 

“ Do you think it will be possible to read 
this?” 

“ I can’t say ; but it would take, perhaps, a 
very long time, and even then we might be work- 
ing over what does not really amount to any- 
thing.” 

The three men consulted together a few mo- 
ments, then the eldest said : 


96 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


We have this proposition to make. If you 
will do your best to learn the meaning of these 
lines your companions shall be set free, and all 
treated with every consideration while we are 
forced to remain here. In case your efforts are 
successful, you will receive a generous reward.” 

And if I refuse ?” Mazie asked without the 
slightest show of fear. 

In that case matters will remain in the same 
condition as they now are until we have not only 
examined each board and timber in the building, 
but upturned every inch of soil on the island. 
In fact your stay will be indefinite, for we shall 
remain until there is no longer a j)ossibility of 
finding the diamonds.” 

Mazie hesitated for an instant, and then said, 
gravely : 

I will try ; but remember, I am doubtful of 
my own ability, and also uncertain whether 
these figures really form a cryptogram.” 


CHAPTER IX 

JOINING FORCES 

^J^HE demeanor of the men underwent a de- 
cided change after Mazie promised to do all 
in her power toward reading the cipher. That 
it was expected she would begin at once could 
be seen by the arrangements they began to make 
immediately for her convenience. Having re- 
duced the table to kindlings, it was necessary 
something should be contrived to serve as a desk, 
and two of the men went in search of materials, 
while the other said to Captain Jake in a reason- 
ably friendly tone : 

“ It is probable all must remain here several 
days, therefore I would like to make such terms 
as will be conducive to your comfort.’^ 

‘‘ You got the upper hand,” the old man re- 
plied, an’ can be pretty sure weTl agree to 
7 97 


98 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


anything that’ll keep us from bein’ tied up in 
this fashion.” 

It is not our purpose to give you pain, hut 
at the same time we must take every precaution. 
I will release you providing all swear to make no 
attempt at leaving the island. You can move 
about the house ; but only one is to he allowed 
out of doors at a time.” 

That’s easy enough done, though I can’t see 
how we’d be any better off on the beach than 
here, for there’s no chance to give you the slip.” 

“ Our boat lies there, and it would be neces- 
sary one of us remained on board of her, and 
another here, which would require too much sen- 
tinel duty. Now are you willing to swear ?” 

Each of the prisoners in turn made the re- 
quired promise, and to the great relief of all the 
tightly-drawn cords were removed. They had 
remained so long in one position that consider- 
able time elapsed before either could move freely. 

In a short time the two black men returned, 
bearing several timbers which had formerly be- 
longed to the Midge, and, with the cabin illumi- 


JOINING FOECES 


99 


nated by a number of candles, they set about 
making a rude table. 

Mazie had already begun to study the secret 
writing, and when, after having had sufficient 
exercise, the boys approached her, she said in a 
low tone : 

I want you to help me on this, for three can 
do more than one.’’ 

You seem to be terribly anxious to find the 
diamonds for these villains,” Ernest replied petu- 
lantly. 

‘‘ And so ought you. They can hold us pris- 
oners here any length of time, for there’s no 
chance to get away except with their permission. 
Now since it is not probable we could keep the 
diamonds for ourselves, our best plan certainly is 
to solve the problem if possible. The sooner 
that’s done, the sooner we’ll be at home again.” 

I guess we could stick it out as long as they’d 
be willing to stay,” Perry said confidently. 

Yes, I suppose we should live ; but think of 
how much your parents would suffer if you did 
not return for a month, perhaps two.” 


100 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Hitherto the boys had considered only the irres- 
pective loss of the Braganza ; but now they re- 
alized the force of Mazie’s argument, and before 
many minutes had passed both were as eager as 
she to accomplish the task. 

How shall we begin Ernest asked. 

‘‘We must follow the rule. If the words were 
spaced there would not be much trouble, for 
where a single character occurred we could as- 
sume it was ‘ a,’ or ‘ i,’ and in case three char- 
acters were repeated several times in the same 
sequence, that would most likely represent ‘ the.’ 
Such a course would be very simple. Now we 
will find which figures are used most frequently. 
Instead of reading 9 and 7 at the beginning, 
suppose we call it 97, for, except in seven in- 
stances — ^here, and here,” she said, pointing to 
the paper, “ where 103 and 106 are used once, 
104 twice, and 102 three times, the numbers are 
evidently doubled to rej^resent one letter. That 
couple which is written most often will be ‘ e,’ 
providing this is a single cipher.” 

Unobserved by the young students, the leader 


JOINING FORCES 1 01 

of the black men stood wliere he could overhear 
this conversation, and being thus assured that 
they were deeply engrossed in the work, he 
joined the others, who had finished making the 
table. 

After some conversation one of the men left 
the hutj and returned ten minutes later with 
what was evidently a spare sail belonging to the 
sloop. This was nailed against a corner of the 
room in such a manner as to inclose a small, 
triangular space. 

It is the best we can do toward giving you 
and your daughter a separate apartment,” the 
leader said to Mrs. Houghton. 

This was a degree of delicacy which the 
widow had not fancied the men capable of show- 
ing, and her acknowledgment of their kindness 
was much more hearty than it would otherwise 
have been. 

It was time for Mazie to retire, hut so inter- 
ested had both she and the boys become in the 
solution of the puzzle, that they were really un- 


102 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


willing to post]3one the work even in order to 
gain needed rest. 

When the two ladies had disappeared behind 
their canvas screen, the leader of the black men 
informed Captain Jake that he and the hoys 
could make their beds anywhere inside the build- 
ing; and in a short time all, save one of the 
strangers who remained on guard, were sleej)ing, 
or trying to do so, on the hard floor in front of 
the fire. 

These resting places were not so comfortable 
hut that all hands were awake at an early hour 
next morning, and Captain Jake said to Ernest, 
when it was possible to speak without being 
overheard by their captors : 

Seein’ that only one of us can go out at a time, 
I want to make the first trip, so’s to learn if the 
old pirate owned a boat. There’s no knowin’ 
when somethin’ of the kind might be needed, 
even if we have sworn not to leave the island.” 

Then, announcing his intention to one of the 
men, Captain J ake left the hut, returning before 


JOINING FORCES 


103 


Mrs. Houghton had prepared breakfast, and 
with so grave an expression on his face that at 
the first opportunity Mazie asked him what had 
occurred. 

‘‘ Well, it ain’t much more’n I ought to have 
expected,” the old man said, bitterly. It 
seems that Captain Dorr had a pretty fine canoe 
here, an’ these black scoundrels have chopped her 
to ]Dieces, so we can’t get away. When I saw 
that I’d a’ been tempted to break my oath, an’ 
leave in their sloop if she hadn’t been too heavy 
for one man to handle, to say nothin’ of the fact 
that they’ve unbent all the canvas.” 

Don’t let that make you feel badly,” Mazie 
said, hopefully. We’ll soon find the diamond 
if there is anything about it in the cipher, and 
then we shall be at liberty to go away.” 

Was there any wreckage on the shore ?” 
Ernest asked, in a loud tone, for it was imma- 
terial whether the black men overheard such 
conversation or not. 

Yes ; I found a good bit near the south 
point, an’ after breakfast, if nobody makes any 


104 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


objection, I’ll go down an’ haul U23 a lot. You 
boys can spell me when you are tired of working 
with Mazie.” 

Neither of the black men made any objection 
to this plan, and immediately after the meal was 
served Captain Jake set out to save the remnants 
of the little craft in whose beautiful proportions 
he had formerly taken so much pride. Two 
of the strangers went down to the beach, leaving 
the third, and Mazie and the boys resumed their 
study of the mystical figures. 

By noon the young students had accomplished 
little more than to convince themselves that the 
present method of working was incorrect. Mazie’s 
carefully prepared memorandum showed four- 
teen of the figures as occurring but once in a 
message which, according to her theory, con- 
tained two hundred and fourteen letters. 

Six of the characters appeared twice ; seven 
were repeated three times ; three could be found 
four times, and, assuming the remainder to be 
letters in most frequent use, she arranged them 
as follows : 


JOINING FOECES 


105 


Of the figures 

76 

there are 17 

U (( « 

75 

, “ “ 15 

(( « (( 

85 

“ “ 12 

il It it 

66 

« “ 10 

it (( (( 

69 and 84 

“ “ 9 eacli 

(( tl it 

53 

“ “ 8 

tt tt tt ) 

r 45, 55, 64. 

1 “ “6 « 


35, 54. 63, 67, 74, 77, 78, 87, and 95 
are repeated 6ve times each. 

Now/’ Mazie said, when this table was pre- 
pared, ‘‘in the English language ‘ e ’ occurs so 
often that it is generally the prevailing character 
in every sentence ; therefore we should assume 
76 to represent that letter. Let’s find out how 
many times it is shown double in such words as 
‘ meet,’ ‘ speed,’ ‘ seen,’ ‘ been.’ ” 

To her surprise and disaj)pointment, the fig- 
ures 77, 76, 85, 74, 95, 75, 53 were all doubled, 
but only once ; and this in itself was sufficient 
to prove the incorrectness of the theory. 

“ That would make seven double letters oc- 
curring with the same frequency, whereas ‘ ee ’ 
and ‘ 00 ’ should be seen very much oftener than 
the others. According to our method, each ap- 


lOG 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


pears once, and that we know positively to be in- 
correct.’^ 

'' But this might he an exceptionally queer 
cipher,” Perry suggested. 

Mazie shook her head decidedly, as she replied: 

We will prove ourselves wrong by another 
method. The word ‘ Braganza ’ must he here if 
this refers to the diamond. Now, according to 
our rule; ‘ a ’ is the next letter most frequently 
used, which would he represented by 75. Let us 
see if it can he found in any place repeated 
three times in a series of six characters.” 

Ernest called out the figures in regular order, 
but, as the reader knows, no such arrangement 
could he found. Again and again did Mazie 
endeavor to prove by the ordinary rules that 
they were on the right track, and it was nearly 
nightfall before the task was given up in despair. 

Captain Jake’s head fairly buzzed with the 
monotonous repetition of figures, and even the 
black man on guard was apparently made so 
nervous that, before a recess was taken, he went 
out of the hut, leaving the prisoners alone. 


JOINING FOKCES 


107 


It’s no use, I can’t work over this thing any 
longer,” Ernest said, at length. Suppose we go 
out for a v:alk, Mazie.” 

I would like to, for my head aches terribly. 
Do you suppose our black guardians will be 
angry if we go together ?” she asked, turning to 
Captain Jake. 

don’t understand there’s any rule about the 
women’s leavin’,” he replied. “ It’s only to pre- 
vent more’ll one of us dangerous characters bein’ 
outside at a time that we’re to be kept housed. 
So go ahead, my girl, and enjoy yourself, if such 
a thing is possible, for you’ve earned a rest.” 

The two went out, and the others busied them- 
selves preparing supper, believing the absent 
ones would remain away at least an hour ; but 
to the surprise of all they returned in less than 
ten minutes, Ernest exclaiming, as he burst into 
the house : 

The black men have left the island ! There 
isn’t one to be seen, and the sloop is no longer 
at her moorings.” 

Gone ?” Captain Jake repeated in astonish- 


108 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


meiit. Do you mean to tell me that they’ve 
left us here an’ sneaked away ?” 

It is positive that they are no longer on the 
island,” Mazie said. We have searched all 
over it ; besides, the absence of the boat tells 
that they must have sailed away in her.” 

‘‘ Then by the great horn spoon there’s no rea- 
son why we should stay here. We’ll let them 
’ere figgers an’ the diamonds take care of them- 
selves, an’ mosey along towards the Dismal 
Swamp as fast as we know how.” 

In his excitement Captain Jake entirely lost 
sight of the fact that, since the destruction of 
the old pirate’s canoe, there was no possible 
means of carrying this threat into execution. 


CHAPTER X 


A SECOND FAILUKE 

occupants of the cabin were so amazed 
by the departure of the black men that no 
attention was paid to the j)rohibition against 
more than one leaving the house at a time, and 
Captain Jake led the way out of doors. 

The sloop, which had been moored on the 
western shore, could no longer be seen, and as 
they stood looking out across the waters Perry 
said, in a tone of preplexity : 

‘‘I don’t understand how they had time to 
bend on the sails. Were there any signs of 
leaving when you came in, captain ?” 

‘‘ One was on board, an’ another doin’ some- 
thing close by the beach. I’ll have to take back 
what I said about strikin’ out for the Dismal 
Swamp. It kinder confused me knowin’ they’d 

109 


110 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


left, an’ I forgot that there was no way of goin’ 
except by a raft.” 

But why not try even that ?” Perry asked. 
‘‘If they come back and keep us here until 
Mazie and Ernest read the cipher our chance of 
getting home seems slim.” 

“ It’s so near dark that we can’t do much to- 
night,” Captain Jake said, thoughtfully. Per- 
haps by mornin’ things will be changed. Let’s 
pull up more wreckage, an’ if the men ain’t 
here before daylight we’ll trust to luck on a raft.” 

There was plenty to be done, for a number of 
timbers had floated in since the old man ceased 
woi'k, and all hands set about saving the lumber. 
So engrossed were they with this occupation that 
no one thought of bringing the labor to a close 
until the gloom of night hid surrounding objects 
from view, and then, acting upon Mrs. Hough- 
ton’s suggestion, they started for the cabin. 

In so doing the sand-bar, or island, which lay 
between them and Boanoke was brought into 
view, and from the centre of it could be seen 


A SECOND FAILURE 


111 


vivid red and green flames darting high in the 
air. 

That settles the question of our building a 
raft,’’ Captain Jake said. ‘‘Them black fellers 
have just gone over there to j)lay the same game 
they did in the Swamp, an’ we needn’t worry 
about bein’ left alone very long. They’ve most 
likely got more faith in dancin’ an’ singin’ than 
in Mazie’s bein’ able to read the figgers, an’ are 
goin’ it mighty strong, I reckon.” 

The joy caused by the supposed departure of 
the black men being thus suddenly dashed, all 
were more than ever depressed as they re-entered 
the partially dismantled cabin and set about 
making preparations for the night. 

The principal portion of the old pirate’s stores 
consisted of bacon, and when several slices of 
this had been fried they ate the not very tempt- 
ing supper in silence. 

Some time during the night, no one knew ex- 
actly when, th^ black men returned, and as Caj^- 
tain Jake went out of the hut shortly after sun- 
rise to make his limited toilet in the sea, the 


112 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


searchers for the Braganza were scanning the 
horizon eagerly. 

‘‘We kinder reckoned you’d given us the slip,” 
he said to the eldest of the party. “ You went 
away so sudden like it looked as if the job had 
been given up.” 

“ That will not be done until the diamond is 
found,” the man answered gravely, and Captain 
Jake muttered to himself as he walked away : 

“ I’m afraid you’ll stay here a mighty long 
while. ’Cordin’ to the looks of things, old 
Winny has taken better care of the stones after 
death than he ever did while livin’.” 

When breakfast had been eaten the two 
younger black men went out, as on the previous 
day, leaving their companion to act as guard, and 
he asked Mazie in an unusually friendly tone : 

“ How have you progressed with the secret 
writing ?” 

Not at all,” and she spoke almost petulantly, 
“ except to learn that my way of working was 
wrong — if indeed the figures mean anything.” 

“ There is no question but that they refer to 


A SECOND FAILURE 


113 


the Braganza, otherwise the pirate would not 
have preserved the paper so carefully. Tell me 
how you tried to read it.” 

Mazie explained the rule upon which she had 
worked, showing the fragments of paper con- 
taining the result of her labor, and after exam- 
ining them carefully he said encouragingly : 

“ I am certain you will succeed very soon. Is 
there no other rule by which it might be read ?” 

Possibly each of the numerals may be a 
character, although it does not seem reasonable.” 

Use every known method. There is no ne- 
cessity of hurrying, except that the sooner the 
task is accomplished the sooner you can return 
home.” 

But suppose they signify nothing ?” Mazie 
asked. 

It will not take very long to learn that fact,” 
the man replied, and, walking toward the door, 
left her to resume the apparently fruitless labor. 

As before, Ernest did his best to aid Mazie, 
and Captain Jake whispered to Perry : 

‘‘ I reckon there ain’t a man in the world who 

8 


114 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


can say that Jake Berry ever went back on his 
word ; but now I’m beginnin’ to have suspicions 
of my own truthfulness. A week of this life, 
an’ I’ll have to break my oath or die. It don’t 
stand to reason that an old man . like me can be 
kept cooped up here at the beck and call of these 
black fellers.” 

How will you be able to break it without 
some means of leaving the island ?” Perry asked. 

These men are not away long enough at a time 
to allow any chance of raft building.” 

‘‘ I don’t say I’d deliberately do it,” the old 
man continued thoughtfully ; but nobody can 
tell till he’s tempted. Howsomever, I’m goin’ 
to figger out some plan, if for nothin’ else than 
to keep my mind occupied.” 

Then he strolled once more to the beach, while 
Perry assisted Mazie and Ernest in their task. 

The labor in this direction was not long con- 
tinued, however. Before all the characters had 
been counted, Mazie exclaimed : 

This is useless, for now we have but ten signs, 
and very many more letters would be required 
to write a manuscript of this length.” 


A SECOND FAILUEE 


115 


“That settles it without argument/’ Ernest 
said. “ Strange we didn’t think of it before and 
save half an hour’s work. I don’t believe the 
figures mean anything.” 

Mazie was already half convinced that such 
was the fact ; but she continued to pore over the 
lines in the hope that by some lucky chance she 
might strike upon the key, until Captain Jake 
entered and reported with an air of excitement : 

“ Two of them black fellers have just left the 
island to go for provisions ; an’ now that there’s 
no chance of our runnin’ away, the other one says 
’ we can move about as we please till his chums 
get back.” 

With one accord the entire party went out of 
doors, where the wreck of the Midge could be 
seen. 

“ It’s a pity to let the little craft go to pieces,” 
the old man said, with a sigh. “ Most likely the 
hull is sound, and if we had the means of work- 
in’ her up on the beach, at least the machinery 
might be saved. There are hawsers enough — ” 

The captain ceased speaking abruptly, and 
walked rapidly toward the house, returning a few 


116 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


minutes later with a look of satisfaction on his 
face. 

“ There’s no reason why we shouldn’t try it,” 
he cried, joyfully. That black feller says it’s 
nothin’ to him what we do while the others are 
away, except that he expects Mazie to keep on 
working out the figgers. If we can haul the 
little craft up in the course of three or four tides, 
till her deck is out of water, I won’t give up the 
hope of seein’ her afloat ag’in. Leastways, it’s 
better to have some work on hand, even if it does 
come to nothin’, than loaf ’round here suckin’ 
our thumbs.” 

‘‘ Then I had better go hack to the house, and 
try once more to solve the cipher.” 

‘‘Don’t go yet, Mazie,” Ernest cried. “You 
have worked long enough to he entitled to a 
short vacation, and we’ll see how Captain Jake 
proposes to save the yacht.” 

Although she consented to remain, there was 
very little to he seen during the next hour, for 
the old man was busily engaged making calcula- 
tions and planning how the task might he ac- 
complished. 


CHAPTER XI 


THE WRECKEKS 


"p^EFORE sunset considerable work in the 
way of wrecking had been done. There 
was little or no surf between the island and the 
bar, and to swim out to the wreck was not a dif- 
ficult task for Captain Jake. 

The steamer lay heeled to port with her star- 
board rail above water, the force of the waves 
having driven her some distance inshore. Both 
hawsers were yet aboard, one in the forepeak and 
the other made fast to the bitt. 

The boys waded half way to the wreck, and 
aided the captain in bringing the cables ashore, 
after which they returned in search of spare 
ropes, with such success that before darkness put 
an end to the labor two hawsers were stretched 
from the bow of the Midge to a pine tree. 

I don’t reckon we can put much strain on 

117 


118 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


yet awhile/’ the old man said when this portion 
of the labor was ended and they were on the 
point of starting for the cabin. To-morrow 
we’ll sink a timber in the sand to strengthen the 
pine, an’ then it’s a matter of workin’ her along 
by sheer muscle.” 

When the wreckers returned to the house 
supper was ready. The black man sat watching 
Mazie as she arranged the figures in different 
combinations, and the fire crackled merrily, 
giving to the partially dismantled cabin quite a 
home-like air. 

Whether the sentinel indulged in sleep that 
night neither of the prisoners knew. The labor 
on the wreck had so thoroughly tired Captain 
J ake and the boys that, despite their hard bed, 
all slept soundly ; but with the first light of 
dawn they were on the beach again, working 
there until Mrs. Houghton summoned them to 
breakfast. 

We have cut down a tree and sunk it in the 
sand at an angle with the one to which thQ haw- 
sers are made fast,” Ernest said in reply to 


THE WRECXERS 


119 


Mazie’s questions. “ The captain is going to rig 
a purchase, and at high tide we count on pull- 
ing her in a good bit. How do you get on with 
the cipher 

I haven’t started yet. I begin to believe, if 
it really is a cryptogram, it’s written in a foreign 
language, which would account for our inability 
to read it.” 

A summons to breakfast interrupted this con- 
versation, and when the meal was finished the 
wreckers went out again, followed by the black 
man, while Mazie was left to resume her appar- 
ently impossible task. 

The sentinel rose very decidedly in the esti- 
mation of the boys when he proposed to aid in 
the work of saving the Midge, and proved to be 
of no slight assistance during the forenoon. 

Two small blocks had been found in the shat- 
tered canoe, and by binding them with ropes 
they were made to withstand so much strain 
that when the tide was at its height the wreck 
was pulled seven feet inshore, after having 
been turned half around so that in case of 


120 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


another storm the waves could do but little 
damage. 

“ When do you expect your friends hack 
Captain Jake asked the black man, as they 
ceased work in answer to Mrs. Houghton’s sum- 
mons to dinner. 

They should return this afternoon, providing 
there was no difficulty in getting provisions at 
Hoanoke.” 

“ Are they pretty good sailors ?” and the old 
man looked apprehensively at the sky. 

“They were able to take care of the sloop in 
the storm which wrecked your steamer.” 

“ That might he, an’ yet they could easily 
come to grief on a day like this. A man needs 
to have his wits about him while the wind puffs 
as it does now, an’ I’m lookin’ for a nasty night.” 

Captain Jake’s croaking did not cause the 
black man to show any signs of alarm ; but 
it was noticed that after dinner he scanned the 
sky and surrounding waters very often, as if try- 
ing to convince himself there was no danger. 

The wreckers were not able to work durins: 


THE WEECKEKS 


121 


the afternoon. At one o’clock rain began to fall, 
and the prisoners were well content to remain 
within the hut, where a roaring fire afforded 
pleasing contrast to the storm outside. 

‘AVe didn’t get them hawsers on any too 
soon,” Captain Jake said, in a tone of satisfac- 
tion. This ’ere gale, cornin’ out of the west as 
it does, would soon have swung the wreck into 
deep water, where we couldn’t save her.” 

‘‘ The surf may break her up,” Ernest sug- 
gested. 

“ I don’t count on its doin’ very much dam- 
age. She’s to leeward of the island, an’ head on, 
besides the waves won’t kick up much of a bob- 
bery between here an’ the bar.” 

“ I wonder if the sloop will come to-night ?” 
Perry asked, and the black man looked quickly 
toward Captain Jake, as if eager to hear his 
reply. 

‘^Not a bit of it. They’ll have too much 
sense to leave Poanoke.” 

During the next two hours the little party 
amused themselves in an almost jolly fashion. 


122 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


listening to the old man’s stories, or discussing 
the probabilities of soon being able to go home ; 
but never a word was spoken regarding the 
cryptogram. 

Once, as the wind lulled. Captain Jake ven- 
tured out to make certain the Midge was not 
receiving further injury, and when he returned 
the anxiety of the hoys regarding her was set 
at rest. 

“She’s quiet as a duck. There are trees 
enough to break the wind, an’ bein’ so near the 
shore, the swell won’t have any effect.” 

Another hour passed, and Mazie, who was 
standing by the window which overlooked the 
Sound, asked as she wiped the long accumula- 
tion of dirt from the glass : 

“ Isn’t that a vessel coming this way ?” 

Captain Jake was by her side in an instant, 
and, after gazing in the direction pointed out, 
he said in a low tone : 

“ It looks mightily like the sloop ; but yet it 
don’t seem possible that they’d venture down 
the reach with this wind.” 


THE WRECKERS 


123 


The black man and the boys were soon where 
a view of the Sound could be had, and far away 
in the distance was seen what appeared to be a 
tiny boat, rising now on the crest of a wave, 
and again completely hidden by the towering 
waters. 

In half an hour there was no longer any 
question regarding the identity of the approach- 
ing craft. All recognized her as the sloop, and, 
regardless of the pouring rain, the men and 
boys ran to the edge of the beach as they 
watched the struggling vessel. 

Although the wind blew furiously at times, 
her progress was not rapid, owing to the fact 
that her jib and mainsail were closed reefed, 
and what headway she might gain under this 
limited canvas was checked each time she sank 
into the hollow of the waves. 

One could well imagine how she alternately 
lurched ahead, and then stood almost stationary 
with her sails fluttering until the wind drove 
her on once more ; and although the captain 
had every reason to look upon her crew as 


124 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


enemies, his face wore an expression of deepest 
anxiety as he watched the laboring craft. 

' It ain’t the easiest matter in the world to 
land on these sand islands at the best of times,” 
Ernest heard him mutter between his teeth; 
“ an’ they’re mighty handy sailors if she gets in 
here all right.” 

The sloop was now rounding the point of the 
sandspit which lay between the old pirate’s home 
and Roanoke, where the wind swept as if 
through a tunnel, with nothing to break its 
force, and her crew were evidently steering 
straight for the wreck of the Midge. The 
main sheet was hauled in until the canvas set 
nearly flat, and Captain Jake said, half to him- 
self: 

They want to look out when them ropes are 
made fast, for if I ain’t mistaken it’ll soon be a 
question of lettin’ everything go by the run.” 

Even as he spoke, and before those on board 
had trimmed the jib, the wind came in a yet 
more furious gust and struck the little craft. 

The most skillful sailor could not have let go 


THE WRECKERS 


125 


a single rope before it seemed as if she was 
literally blown clear from the water, disappear- 
ing a second later in the trough of the sea. 

The black man stood motionless with fear; 
Perry and Ernest covered their faces that they 
might not see the struggling wretches in the 
water, and Captain Jake muttered : 

She has gone down like a stone.’’ 

In another moment the sloop could be seen 
bottom up as she rose on the crest of a wave ; 
but strain their eyes as they might, the watchers 
could perceive no signs of the crew. 


CHAPTER XII 


THE RESCUE 


the anxious watchers on the beach every 
second seemed a minute, and when all 
hope of seeing the sloop’s crew again had ex- 
pired, Captain Jake shouted : 

There’s one of ’em. See ! on the top of that 
wave ! As nigh as I can make out, he’s swim- 
min’, an’ in such case can’t he hurt very much.” 

Where’s the other ?” the black man shouted 
wildly, clutching Captain Jake by the arm. 

Can you see only one ?” 

That’s all. Most likely, while tryin’ to let 
go the sheet, the second feller got caught in the 
rope an’ is underneath the hull.” 

‘^Why don’t you help them? Shall they 
drown before our eyes?” the man shrieked 
savagely, shaking Captain Jake by the arm, 
and thereby betraying an amount of strength 
126 


THE RESCUE 


127 


such as would not have been suspected in so 
slight a frame. 

There’s nothin’ mortal can do for ’em,” was 
the solemn reply. Even if we had a boat, it 
would only be possible to pick up the swimmer, 
for the other one is dead by this time.” 

For an instant the black man gazed at the 
speaker as if trying to understand the words, 
and then rushed into the surf, wringing his 
hands and shouting wildly. 

He’s crazy !” Ernest exclaimed in a low 
tone, and Captain Jake added : 

“ I reckon his head is turned a bit ; but we 
can’t spend much time on him if we want to 
save the other one. He’s doin’ his best at 
swimmin’, an’ will most likely manage to reach 
the shore ; but it’s a case of standin’ by to pull 
him out, for there won’t be strength enough left 
in his body to come through the surf.” 

The man who was battling for his life had 
already approached so near that the boys could 
plainly distinguish the agonized expression of 
his face, and it was apparent to all that his 
strength was very nearly spent. 


128 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘Follow me!’’ Captain Jake shouted, as he 
ran into the water breast deep, just in time to 
catch the almost exhausted swimmer, as a huge 
wave lifted him on high. 

During five minutes the rescuers had a most 
desperate struggle. More than once did it seem 
certain the entire party would be washed away 
by the angry waters ; but they finally suc- 
ceeded, and the apparently lifeless man was 
dragged ashore without assistance from his 
friend, who continued to shout and gesticulate 
as if fancying he could still the tempest. 

Without paying any attention to the half- 
crazed black. Captain Jake and the boys carried 
the unconscious man to the hut, and upon ar- 
riving there the rescuers were nearly as ex- 
hausted as the rescued. 

Among the old pirate’s stores Mrs. Houghton 
had found several bottles of brandy, and this 
stimulant was a most potent medicine at such a 
time. 

After giving a strong dose to the captain, and 
homeopathic ones to the boys, she and Mazie 


THE RESCUE 


129 


set about trying to resuscitate the black man, 
working with such good effect that at the end of 
ten minutes he opened his eyes. 

Before this was accomplished, however, Cap- 
tain Jake said to the boys : 

“ You’d better go out and fetch that lunatic 
in, or he’ll do himself some mischief I don’t 
allow we’re called on very strong to save them 
who are keepin’ us prisoners ; but we don’t want 
to think that a human life was lost through our 
neglect.” 

Awed by the catastrophe, neither Ernest nor 
Perry had looked upon the blacks as enemies. 
Their only thought was to render assistance in 
a time of need, and at this suggestion they ran 
out into the storm toward the beach, where the 
man stood in the same position as when his 
comrade had been (Jragged ashore. 

It was some time before the boys could per- 
suade him to accompany them. To all their 
entreaties he answered wildly in an unknown 
tongue, and could not be induced to move until 
Ernest said firmly : 

9 


130 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


You mmt come with us. Your friend wants 
to see you at once.” 

The man passed his hand across his eyes as 
one who is awakened suddenly from a profound 
sleep, and, turning, went toward the hut so 
rapidly that the hoys were unable to keep pace 
with him. 

When Ernest and Perry entered the house 
the two men were talking together in what was 
probably their native tongue, and neither paid 
any attention to the other inmates. 

have found some old clothes which be- 
longed to Captain Dorr, and you must put them 
on,” Mazie said to the boys. Go behind the 
canvas, and be quick about it or you’ll catch a 
terrible cold.” 

This command was obeyed without protest, 
and when they emerged from the tiny apart- 
ments even Captain Jake could not repress a 
smile. The old pirate’s garments were large 
enough to wrap around the boys twice, and 
when these defects had been partially remedied 
by the aid of pins, they presented a most comi- 
cal appearance. 


THE RESCUE 


131 


Strange as it may seem, none of the white 
party realized that by the loss of the sloop their 
term of imprisonment was even more indefinite 
than before, until Mazie asked whether there 
would he any possibility of finding the little 
craft after the gale abated. 

‘‘ If we don’t, there’ll he a good chance of our 
starving to death,” Ernest cried, leaping to his 
feet and going toward the door. 

Come back !” Captain Jake said, impera- 
tively. ‘‘It’s so dark you can’t see an inch 
before your nose, an’ if the sloop was within a 
dozen feet of the shore it wouldn’t do us any 
good just now. Don’t get another soakin’ for 
nothin’.” 

Ernest obeyed, and thus suddenly brought 
face* to face with the true position of affairs, it 
can readily be understood that the little party 
talked of nothing save how it would be possible 
to leave the island. 

Each had some plan to propose, and when 
Captain Jake stated as his belief that the canoe 
could be made seaworthy at the expense only of 


132 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


time, the black man who had been saved from 
the waves said, in a sharp tone : 

“ It is not a question of leaving the island. 
The diamonds are to he found, and until that 
has been done no boat will he needed.” 

‘‘ Do you mean to stay now that your 
friend is dead ?” Captain Jake asked, in sur- 
prise. 

‘‘ If another of our number should die, the 
survivor would continue the search,” the man 
replied, and then resumed the conversation with 
his friend. 

After this interruption, the little party ceased 
to discuss the situation, hut sat in moody silence 
around the fire, listening to the roar of the surf, 
or watching the peculiar movements of the two 
men, until Mrs. Houghton and Mazie retired. 
Then, one by one, the others followed this ex- 
ample, leaving the searchers for the Braganza 
conversing in low, earnest tones. 

Next morning the storm had abated, but the 
wind was yet strong, and Captain Jake, paying 
not the slightest attention to the men, who sat 


THE RESCUE 


183 


silent and motionless near the fire, said to the 
boys : 

It stands us in hand to have a look for the 
sloop. Perhaps she came ashore during the 
night.” 

Ernest hesitated a moment, to learn whether 
the men would make any objection to this plan ; 
but neither spoke, therefore he followed his 
friends, and the three walked nearly around the 
island. 

The overturned craft could not be seen in 
either direction, and the inference was that she 
had drifted between the islands, or been stove to 
pieces on the shore. 

The first evidence of the disaster was seen 
when they reached the southernmost point of 
land. There, high up on the sand, his nerveless 
fingers almost touching the old pirate’s grave, 
lay the body of the drowned man, and the posi- 
tion was so peculiar that even Captain Jake felt 
a trifle nervous. 

‘‘ It does seem as if there was somethin’ un- 
natural about them diamonds. I’d a called the 


Ie34 THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 

man a fool who’d say even so much as a piece of 
wood could drift down here with the wind from 
the east’ard ; but yet look at this. The feller 
what’s been chasin’ the old captain for the last 
twenty years comes ag’in wind an’ current to his 
grave at the last, as if he couldn’t rest easy any- 
where else.” 

“ Don’t try to imagine horrible things when 
the reality is about as bad as it can be,” Perry 
said, with a shudder. ‘‘Something must be 
done with his body before Mazie and her mother 
see it.” 

“ Run up to the house an’ tell the men what 
we’ve found,” Captain Jake replied. “Ernest 
an’ I’ll stay here till you get back.” 

Perry obeyed without loss of time, for the 
idea of remaining there was by no means pleas- 
ant, and in a few moments the dead man’s com- 
panions arrived. 

“ Leave us alone,” the elder of the two said 
gravely. “ Go into the house, and do not ven- 
ture out under any pretext without our permis- 


sion. 


THE EESCUE 


135 


Captain Jake stood motionless an instant, as 
if hesitating whether to obey this harshly spoken 
command, and then, beckoning to the boys, he 
walked toward the cabin, saying when they were 
beyond hearing of the men : 

The way they boss us around is a leetle 
more’ll I can stand. In about another day I’ll 
tell ’em that my oath don’t hold any longer. 
There are only two now, an’ if we three can’t 
get the best of them, it’ll be mighty queer.” 

“ It wouldn’t do any good to get the best of 
them while there are no means of leaving the 
island,” Ernest said, thoughtfully ; but if we 
do see a chance of leaving, I go in for asserting 
our rights. Just now, however, we had better 
steer clear of a row.” 

You’re correct, my boy ; but at the same 
time it goes mightily ag’in the grain to obey 
their orders,” and the old man entered the house 
with the air of one who finds it difficult to con- 
trol his temper. 

• It can well be imagined that the little party 
spent the hours of their enforced seclusion dis- 


136 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


cussing Captain Jake^s threat to assert his 
rights, and all, even including Mazie and her 
mother, believed they would he warranted in 
first giving notice that the oaths were no longer 
binding, after which decisive steps should be 
taken. 

In a few days we shall he absolutely without 
food,” the widow said, and something must be 
done very soon.” 

We can manage to make the grub last quite 
a while by catchin’ a few fish,” Captain Jake 
replied, as if he considered Mrs. Houghton’s 
view of the case trifling. “If we only had 
ammunition for them old flintlocks it wouldn’t 
take us long to settle the affair.” 

“You might as well say if we were home 
they couldn’t trouble us,” Mazie replied, with 
a laugh. “When is this revolution to take 
place ?” 

“ We’ll begin work on the wreck of the 
Midge to-morrow mornin’, an’ if any objection 
is made I’ll have it out with ’em then an’ 
there.” 


THE RESCUE 


137 


In such conversation the day was spent. 
Although the prisoners looked out through 
the windows many times it was impossible to 
learn what the black men were doing. 

At noon both came into the cabin, took 
several of the floor boards, together with the 
splintered pieces of the table, and went out 
again without speaking. 

Late in the afternoon the eldest entered and 
asked Mrs. Houghton for the brandy bottle, 
departing again immediately after she had 
given it to him, and from that time until 
dark noises could be heard as if the men were 
felling trees. 

After the prisoners had eaten supper, and 
while they were yet sitting around the rude 
table built for Mazie’s convenience, a sudden 
glare was seen from the outside. Like a flash 
the island was illuminated as if by a mighty 
conflagration, and Captain Jake shouted as he 
leaped to his feet : 

Some craft is off the shore making a flame 
to attract our attention ! Most likely the folks 


138 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


from Roanoke have found out what a fix wehe 
in, an’ have come to help us !” 

The thought that friends were in the vicinity 
caused the entire party to rush in frantic haste 
to the door; but a single glance toward the 
southern point of the island was sufficient to 
change their joy into something very nearly 
approaching awe. 


CHAPTER XIII 


CKEMATION 

JTwas a strange, almost revolting spectacle 
which the occupants of the cabin witnessed 
as they stood gazing toward the south. 

A platform about six feet high had been built 
of the trunks and branches of trees, as children 
make a cob house, the upper portion or layer 
consisting of the light wood taken from the cabin 
during the afternoon. On the top of this could 
be seen dimly through the flames the body of 
the drowned man. 

From the peculiar glare the spectators readily 
understood for what purpose the brandy had 
been procured, and as the combustible liquid was 
consumed, the flames of the wood completely hid 
the sinister object from view. 

Encircling the pile, the two black men 
marched with slow and measured steps, each 

139 


140 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


bearing on his forehead three bright red lines of 
paint, as they chanted in their native tongue 
a wild, peculiar strain which could be heard 
high above the moaning of the wind. Now and 
then one would stop to throw on more wood, 
while the other besprinkled the logs with the 
powder which caused parti-colored flames to arise. 
On each of these occasions the funeral dirge was 
increased in volume until, to those in the cabin, 
it seemed as if they were witnessing a ceremony 
performed by demons. 

The flames cast in startling relief against the 
background of gloom, silhouettes of the men, 
causing them to appear of gigantic stature, and 
as the little knot of spectators realized what was 
in the centre of that brilliant flame, a feeling of 
repulsion forced them to withdraw from the open 
door. Seated around the honest glow of the 
fireplace, they tried in vain to banish from their 
minds the knowledge of what was being done 
outside. 

That a human body should be reduced to 
ashes instead of returning to the dust, would not 


CREMATION 


141 


liave seemed horrible, perhaps, save for their iso- 
lated position and the thought that they were 
in the power of these men who brought their 
fantastic rights even to the threshold of the 
grave. 

If anything had been needed to strengthen the 
resolutions formed in the afternoon, this was suf- 
ficient, and after a long silence. Captain Jake 
said with an emphasis which caused his hearers 
to start almost in alarm : 

“ Well, this settles me ! , There is no reason 
why we should keep our word to these heathenish 
creatures ; but at the same time I reckon it’ll 
make us feel better to give fair warnin’. Before 
three days go by things will be fixed so’s we’ll be 
at liberty to hail any passing craft.” 

This announcement, in itself, was not calculated 
to cheer the others very much, for the simple 
reason that thus far no craft save the sloop had 
been sighted, and all knew how slim were the 
chances of any vessel or steamer approaclii ng 
the forbidding shores of the island. 

As the sighing of the wind and the now hor- 


142 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


rible chant of the men could be heard from time 
to time, the little group sat closer together, fixing 
their eyes steadily upon the embers in the fire- 
place to shut out from view the glare of the 
flames reflected on the windows, and it was 
nearly morning before any of them was suffi- 
ciently composed to think of retiring. 

After daylight came, and Captain Jake had 
aroused the inmates of the cabin, ' the black men 
were still absent. 

Ernest peered through the window and saw 
the two sitting either side the pile of ashes with 
bowed heads ; but whether they were asleep or 
still engaged in devotion, was impossible to de- 
termine. 

‘‘ What shall we do about venturing out 
Perry asked. Our orders were to stay here ; 
but there is no water, and I feel like going to the 
spring to wash my face and hands.’^ 

Do just as you would if they were not here,’^ 
Captain Jake replied. ‘‘ It’s time we begun to 
show them that we’ve got some little spunk left, 
an’ the sooner we begin the better.” 


CREMATION 


143 


He set the example by taking the bucket and 
marching boldly forth, followed by both the 
boys ; but as the spring was in an opposite direc- 
tion from the scene of the previous night’s cere- 
monies, they were not noticed by the black men. 

The morning’s work was done as if no restric- 
tions had been placed upon their movements. 

After breakfast had been eaten, the captain 
and the boys went out to ascertain the condition 
of the wreck. 

Mazie should have busied herself with the 
cipher ; but it was impossible to fix her mind 
upon the figures, and after attempting to do so 
several times in vain, she threw down the paper, 
joining the party at the beach as if believing 
that nothing save the clear morning air could 
drive from her mind the recollection of the hor- 
rible ceremonies she had witnessed. 

“ I’m glad you’ve come,” Ernest said, as she 
joined the group, who were making preparations 
to haul in on the hawser. “ Studying over that 
puzzle is enough to set a person crazy, and it 
will do you good to exercise here awhile.” 


144 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


“Did the surf do any damage to the yacht?” 
Mazie asked, and Captain Jake replied in a 
cheery tone : 

“ Not a bit, my girl. If anything it has helped 
matters, for by lay in’ here under the lee she has 
righted considerably,, an’ we can get in a fathom 
or so of the cable, which is more’n could have 
been done last night.” 

During the next hour all four worked with a 
will, Mazie accomplishing quite as much as any 
member of the party save the captain, and at 
the end of that time the Midge was five or six 
feet nearer high-water mark than before. 

Both rails were now above the surface, and, 
unless the hull had been stove there was no 
reason why she could not be floated. As a 
matter of course the upper works had been torn 
away ; but that would be of little consequence so 
far as her sailing qualities were concerned. 

“ Once her deck is above water she can be 
pumped out,” Ernest said gleefully, “ and know- 
ing the engine as Captain Jake does, it ought not 
to be a great while before we can get up steam.” 


CREMATION 


145 


While they were congratulating themselves 
upon the amount of work done, and the prob- 
ability that the Midge would soon he able to hear 
them over the water as buoyantly as before 
the wreck, the elder of the black men ap- 
proached. 

During a single moment he surveyed the evi- 
dences of their work, and then, turning to Mazie, 
asked sternly : 

Has the secret of the writing been found, 
that you thus make preparations for leaving 
I haven’t discovered it, and don’t believe I 
ever shall,” the girl replied, and Captain Jake 
added, his face wearing a look of determination : 

‘‘See here, mister! If old Winny had any 
diamonds of yours, they are here, an’ we don’t 
count on interferin’ with ’em. The figgers you 
reckon so much on are in the house, an’ nobody’s 
goin’ to say a word ag’in your takin’ them away. 
We’ve stayed on this ’ere island jest about as 
long as we care to, and now, by the great horn 
spoon, we’re goin’ to leave if we get the chance. 
Remember, all hands give fair warnin’ that we 
10 


146 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


don’t hold any longer to what was promised. It’s 
a question of takin’ care of ourselves before it 
comes to starvin’, for the grub is about gone, and 
in two or three days at the latest somebody will 
be hungry.” 

The black man listened until Captain Jake 
had finished, and then, without the slightest show 
of anger, he said, in a calm tone : 

No person will leave this island until the 
Braganza has been found. You are at liberty 
to save the steamer, if possible, provided the 
oaths are to be respected. After one hour, if 
you still persist in disobeying our commands, we 
will destroy what is left of the boat.” 

While speaking the man had drawn a revol- 
ver from his pocket, and, after waiting a few 
seconds as if for a reply, he added : “ Return to 
the house. Consider well what I have said, and 
decide upon your course of action.” 

To disobey when the black man was in a con- 
dition to enforce his demands would have been 
worse than folly, and the little party walked 
slowly toward the cabin, their captor watching 


CEEMATION 


147 


until they were within a dozen yards of the 
building, when he turned and went rapidly in 
the direction of the funeral pile. 

It goes mightily ag’in the grain to be drove 
’round here like a flock of sheep by a nigger,” 
Captain Jake said, as he halted a few paces from 
the door, and shook his fist in impotent rage. 

I wonder how much longer we’ve got to stand 
it?” 

‘‘ If he had that pistol in his pocket when the 
sloop was wrecked, it couldn’t have been very 
dangerous,” Perry suggested, “and in about 
two minutes we might have gotten the upper 
hand of him.” 

“ Yes,” the old man said, in a tone of quiet 
sarcasm ; “ but it’s a leetle too ticklish a thing to 
find out by experimentin’. If that wasn’t the 
one that went overboard, he’d likely got the 
upper hand of us mighty quick, an’ I ain’t 
achin’ for a bullet jest yet awhile.” 

“ Then you take back what you said last night 
about defying them ?” Mazie asked, with a quiz- 
zical smile. 


148 


THE BPvAGANZA DIAMOND 


“ Not a bit of it/’ the old man replied, 
stoutly ; ‘‘ but at the same time, I don’t intend 
to run my nose into danger till I’m pretty sure 
of gettin’ the best of the squabble. We must 
watch our chance, an’ then ” . 

While Captain Jake was speaking he had 
stepped to the left of the doorway, turning to 
look in the direction where their captors were 
supposed to be, and just at that instant the ap- 
parently solid earth gave way beneath his feet, 
j)recipitating him into what at first looked like 
an abandoned well, about six feet in depth. 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE HIDDEN STORES 


the old man seemingly sank through the 
sand an involuntary cry of surprise burst 
from his lips, and the others sprang forward to 
assist him. 

The descent was rapid but not long con- 
tinued. 

When Ernest reached the spot Captain Jake’s 
head was above the surface, and he raised his 
hands as if asking to be assisted from the un- 
comfortable position ; but before the boys were 
ready to respond he disappeared from view, and 
Perry called, in alarm : 

‘‘ Where are you. Captain J ake ? Where are 
you?” 

There was no answer for several seconds, and 
then came the reply, in a muffled but excited 
tone : 


149 


150 THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 

‘‘IVe struck one of old Winny’s hiding 
places. There’s a lot of stuff here, an’ perhaps 
the diamonds are among it. Keep a lookout for 
them black fellers while I overhaul things.” 

The self-appointed guardians of the Braganza 
were at the southernmost point of the island, 
apparently paying no heed to their prisoners, 
and Perry whispered : 

‘‘They ain’t so much as looking this way. 
Shall I bring a candle so you can see better ?” 

“ No, no,” replied the old man, sharply ; 
“ there’s a keg of powder here, an’ I don’t han- 
ker after makin’ a skyrocket of myself. Stand 
by while I pass some of these things out.” 

There was no necessity for this last command. 
The boys and Mazie were at the very edge of 
the excavation, trying to gain a view of the in- 
terior, and in rapid succession the captain handed 
up three flint-lock guns, two horse pistols, two 
cutlasses, and a hag of flints. 

“ There’s a keg of powder and plenty of 
bullets down here ; hut that seems to wind up 
the lot,” the old man reported. “ Help me out. 











.f'.'.s *- 




C '«»•* ' 

ffc '-'^ 


. •, ^ 


'9 , 








« 



» ' * 



THE HIDDEN STOKES 


151 


boys, and we’ll cover up tbe liole so them black 
fellers won’t know what we’ve found.” 

Are you sure the diamonds are not there ?” 
Ernest asked as, after some difficulty, the cap- 
tain was brought to the surface once more. 

“They may be with the bullets, or stowed 
away in the keg; but I don’t reckon that’s 
likely. Old Winny dug this hole for a maga- 
zine, not darin’ to keep the powder where fire 
might reach it ; an’ it ain’t probable he put any 
valuables there, otherwise the jewelry wouldn’t 
have been found under the hearth. What we’ve 
got now is worth a dozen diamonds, for we can 
hold our own against them two heathen.” 

Captain Jake did not spend much time in 
conversation. To preserve the secret of this 
fortunate discovery it was necessary the excava- 
tion should be covered before the black men 
came toward the house, and he immediately 
began to throw across the top the suj)ply of fire- 
wood which was stacked near by. 

Then the articles which had been found so 
opportunely were carried into the hut, and 
hidden under the bed behind tbe canvas screen. 


152 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


I reckon they’ll be safe there for a while,” 
he said, in a tone of satisfaction ; and now it’s 
time for us to decide what we’ll do. At the end 
of an hour them villains threaten to destroy 
what little is left of the Midge, an’ I reckon 
they won’t hesitate about doin’ it.” 

This remark caused Mrs. Houghton to ask for 
an explanation, and on being informed of this 
latest phase of the situation of affairs, she made 
a decided and emphatic protest against any 
resort to force. 

‘‘It would he better for us to remain here 
three months than that any should run the risk 
of being killed,” she said. “ If you succeeded 
in overpowering them, how much better off 
would we he ? It will take some time to repair 
the Midge, even after you have hauled her out 
of the water, and there’ll he no opportunity of 
leaving the island.” 

“ But a vessel may put in,” Ernest suggested ; 
“ and the way things are now we couldn’t even 
signal one.” 

“ If you saw a craft approaching, there would 


THE HIDDEN STORES 


153 


be time to resort to violence/’ Mrs. Houghton 
replied. ‘^At present nothing can he accom- 
plished, and I think it would be very foolish to 
to do other than as they have commanded.” 

“ It wouldn’t do us any harm to get into con- 
dition for fightin’,” Captain Jake said, grimly. 
‘‘ Now we can’t move so much as an eyelid with- 
out their permission.” 

The widow was decidedly opposed to anything 
of the kind, and a hot discussion ensued be- 
tween the old man and her, which had hardly 
been brought to a close when the elder of the 
black men entered the cabin. 

That he was prepared for any emergency 
could be seen by the way in which he moved 
from the door to the fireplace, taking care that 
none of the party should be behind him, and 
keeping one hand in his pocket, evidently 
clutching a weapon. 

Standing where he could have a watchful 
eye over each occupant of the room, he said, 
gravely : 

I have come to learn your decision. It is 


154 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


needless for me to repeat that we are firmly 
determined to remain here until our mission has 
been accomplished ; and in order to guard 
against possible treachery, it is necessary none 
of you be allowed to depart. We do not wish 
to resort to harsh measures, but at the same time 
we intend to carry out our plans at any hazard.’’ 

But what has my tryin’ to save the yacht 
got to do with your findin’ the diamonds?” 
Captain Jake asked sulkily. 

“ Nothing whatever, providing you are will- 
ing to respect the oaths already taken, and the 
girl continues to work on the cipher. If we 
allow you to thus prepare a means of leaving 
the island, it must only be with the understand- 
ing that you do not attempt to go away until we 
are willing. The fact that you have not been 
deprived of the pirate’s valuables shows our in- 
tention of treating you fairly.” 

If the arms and ammunition had not been 
found. Captain Jake would most -certainly have 
entered into another compact then and there, for 
the simple reason that the black men could force 


THE HIDDEN STOEES 


155 


him into any bargain they saw fit to make. As 
it was, the knowledge that he would soon be in 
a condition to at least hold his own against 
them, rendered him more than usually obstinate, 
and instead of replying, he walked* sullenly 
toward the window. 

“ I do not intend to argue or urge,’’ the black 
man said, after a short pause. We can com- 
mand, and you must obey ; but I much prefer 
that we work together harmoniously. What is 
your answer ?” 

Ernest, who was watching Captain Jake in- 
tently, saw his face brighten suddenly as he 
gazed from the window. Stepping quickly to 
his side, the boy looked out, and it was with 
difficulty he repressed a cry of joy as he saw 
approaching the island, with the evident inten- 
tion of stopping there, a trim-looking yacht, or 
topsail schooner, of about one hundred tons 
burden. 

This welcome sight caused the old man to de- 
cide upon his course of action immediately, and 
turning quickly he said : 


156 


THE BRAHANZA DIAMOND 


Your attempt to hold us prisoners is a crime, 
and shall he punished by the law. If you de- 
stroy one timber of my steamer, wreck though 
she is, you shall suffer the full penalty. We do 
not intend to be bound any longer by the oaths 
we were virtually forced to take.” 

No, no. Captain Berry, you must not say 
that,” Mrs. Houghton cried, and turning to the 
man she added : I might echo his words ex- 
cept for our defenseless position ; but as it is, the 
only alternative is to accede to your demands, 
however unjust they may be. I am sure the 
captain will think as I do if you will allow him 

a little more time. He will ” 

He will do exactly as he pleases,” the old 
man shouted as the rattle of chains was heard 
running through a hawse pipe, telling that the 
schooner had come to an anchor. It is now 
possible, not only to leave the island, but to 
teach you a much needed lesson. With a craft 
off shore, I reckon we can afford to hold up our 
heads like white men once more.” 

At this unexpected announcement every oc- 


THE HIDDEN STOKES 


157 


eupant of the room ran to the window, and to 
the surprise of Ernest, the black man appeared 
more delighted than any one else. 

He stood on the threshold for an instant scan- 
ning the schooner, and then ran out of the hut, 
shouting for his friend, while Captain Jake 
cried excitedly : 

Come, boys, we’ll get the powder from old 
Winny’s magazine, an’ load these ’ere guns. 
Them niggers may try to make out that they’re 
the only people on the island, and we must be 
ready to fight our way to the beach.” 

“ But will the vessel stay long enough?” Mazie 
asked breathlessly. 

She won’t leave for some time,” Perry re- 
plied. The crew are furling the sails, and it 
looks as if they intended to stay.” 

To bring the powder into the hut required but 
a few moments, and, to the surprise of all, their 
captors did not interfere with the work. 

The captain fitted the Hints carefully, and 
after loading two of the ancient muskets, handed 
one to Ernest as he said : 


158 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Take this, lad, an’ use it if necessary, for 
perhaps we shan’t have another chance of leavin’ 
this blessed island.” 

A boat is being rowed ashore,” Mazie cried 
from her post at the window. 

Then all the more reason why we should get 
to the beach in short order,” the old man said 
hurriedly, and he was on the point of leaving 
the hut when Mazie spoke again, this time in a 
tone of dismay : 

The boat has landed. It is filled with black 
men, and two of them are embracing those who 
have held us prisoners.” 


CHAPTER XV 


SEPARATED 

'pHE scene which followed Mazie’s announce- 
ment would have been almost comical but for 
the gravity of the situation. 

Captain Jake and Ernest dropped their guns 
as they ran to the window toward which the 
others were hurriedly making their way, and 
all thought of resistance was apparently forgotten 
in the eagerness to see the new-comers. 

Curiosity, however, soon gave way to fear and 
dismay as the moments passed. 

Instead of being a peaceful trader, to whom 
they could appeal for aid, the schooner had a 
full crew of black men and negroes, the former 
similar in feature to the guardians of the Bra- 
ganza, and it could plainly be seen that her com- 
ing was the result of a pre-arranged plan rather 
than chance. 


159 


160 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


The two who had just landed were younger 
than those on the shore, hut appeared to be on 
terms of intimacy with them, while the others 
treated the old men with profound respect, bor- 
dering on homage. One after another stepped 
ashore, bowed until their heads nearly touched 
the sand, and then, moving a short distance 
away, waited for the consultation among the 
leaders to come to an end. 

Well !” Captain Jake said with great empha- 
sis after he had watched these proceedings several 
minutes in silence, ‘‘ the little jig I started didn’t 
last very long, an’ for our bit of dancin’ I reckon 
we’ll have to pay the piper a pretty high figger. 
If I’d held my tongue ten minutes more we’d 
still have a chance to agree to their terms.” 

‘‘ That can be done now,” Mrs. Houghton re- 
plied. 

‘‘ I’m not so certain about it. They didn’t 
have force enough before to guard us properly, 
an’ now there are so many that playin’ the part 
of jailers will only keep them out of mischief. 
I reckon it’s only a question o f tryin’ to hold 


SEPARATED 


161 


our own here, or answerin’ to the heck and call 
of every nigger aboard the schooner.” 

Surely you are not thinking now of resist- 
ing?” Mrs. Houghton asked quickly and with 
every symptom of alarm. 

I declare I don’t know what to think,” the 
old man replied in a tone of perplexity, and 
then he gazed out of the window again as if be- 
lieving a solution to the question could be read 
in the scene on the beach. 

The two men were holding a long conversation 
with those who had landed, and the watchers 
could well fancy they were relating the story of 
the supposed cipher. 

I only hope there is some one on the yacht 
who understands secret writing,” Mazie whispered 
to Ernest, for I’m sure I shall never succeed in 
reading it.” 

Up to this time Perry had remained with his 
eyes fixed on the new-comers ; but as the men 
turned to come toward the cabin, he realized 
that some preparation should be made to re- 
ceive them. 

11 


162 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


It will never do to let that crowd see these 
guns and ammunition no matter what we intend 
to do,” he cried, and this remark aroused Cap- 
tain Jake into activity. 

I declare I’d forgotten that we’d found ’em. 
Take hold, Ernest, an’ help shove this stuff 
under the bed. They’re cornin’ here for a talk, 

I s’pose, an’ when it’s ended we’ll know what we’d 
best d3.” 

Even Mrs. Houghton assisted in hiding the 
evidences of their short-lived revolt, and when 
the men opened the door of the hut the interior 
presented its usual appearance. 

‘‘ Will you show us the document you have been 
trying to read?” the eldest of the party — he 
who had been rescued from drowning — said to 
Mazie, and when she handed it to him the others ' 
gathered around with every show of excitement. 

During what seemed to the prisoners a very 
long while the men examined the figures, con- 
versing in their native tongue, and then the new- 
comers looked critically at every portion of the 
hut, after which the leader said to Mrs. Hough- 
ton : 


SEPARATED 


168 


I have made such preparations for the ac- 
commodation of yourself and daughter as will he 
conducive to comfort. Our vessel is to remain 
offshore while we stay here, and on hoard you will 
find much better quarters than this dilapidated 
hut affords.” 

Mazie looked at the speaker in alarm, and 
her mother, quite as much disturbed, asked 
quickly : 

Are all of our party to go on board the 
schooner ?” 

The hoys and the old man will stay here, for 
they are eager to work on the wreck of their 
yacht.” 

‘‘Then I’m not going,” Mazie cried vehe- 
mently. “ It’s bad enough to have to stay here, 
without being regularly shut up in a prison.” 

“ I am sorry you object, for we have fully de- 
cided,” the man replied, and despite his court- 
eous manner, there was a threatening tone in his 
voice. “You will be as comfortable as at a hotel, 
and have no menial offices to perform. Besides, 
with nothing to distract your attention it should 


164 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


be possible to read the secret writing more 
readily/’ 

Ernest and Perry stepped quickly to Mazie’s 
side, as if to show their willingness to defend her, 
and Captain Jake literally trembled with anger 
as he said : 

I will not allow you to take either the child 
or her mother from us. They can have every- 
thing necessary on shore, and we are ready to 
keep our oaths to the letter.” 

It is unfortunate that you did not arrive at 
such a conclusion half an hour earlier,” the man 
said, sternly. ‘‘ I now know that you would re- 
tract your promise at the first good opportunity 
to give us the slip, and ‘intend to take measures 
accordingly. There are twenty men on the 
yacht who obey my orders implicitly ; therefore 
it can be readily understood that our plans will 
be carried out regardless of your wishes.” 

While the man was speaking, Ernest glanced 
meaningly at Captain Jake, as if asking if they 
should make use of the hidden weapons ; but 
the old man shook his head. Angry though he 


SEPARATED 


165 


was, prudence caused him to realize the folly of 
resistance. 

‘‘Do you think I will do anything toward 
reading the cipher if you separate Us from our 
friends ?’’ Mazie asked, angrily. “ I will not so 
much as look at those figures.” 

“ Both you and your mother will be kept on 
board the yacht until the secret is discovered. I 
will give you ten minutes in which to get ready.” 

Then the man and his companions went out 
of the cabin, Ernest saying, as he drew from 
under the bed a gun : 

“We can hold our own for a little while, any- 
how !” 

“ And what then ?” Captain Jake asked, grimly. 
“ We might shoot down a few, but the others 
would easily settle us. It’s mighty tough lines, 
I’ll allow ; but we may soon be able to get our 
necks out of this noose.” 

It was agreed between Mazie and Ernest, after 
some discussion, that on the following day she 
should ask that he be allowed to assist her dur- 
ing certain hours. By such means they would 


166 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


at least be able to communicate with one another 
freely. 

These details had hardly been decided upon 
when the leader of the black men opened the 
door, and said : 

The boat is ready, and I believe you will go 
on board quietly. No one will be allowed to in- 
trude upon you, and every care will be taken to 
make the enforced stay agreeable.” 

Mrs. Houghton led Mazie out of the cabin, 
and, instead of following, the black man entered, 
thereby preventing the boys from witnessing the 
departure. 

‘‘ As I intend taking up my quarters on the 
schooner,” he said, curtly, it is necessary you 
should understand matters, for those who are to 
keep guard over this building do not speak 
English.” 

Then we are to be closely confined ?” Captain 
Jake asked. 

You will not be allowed to leave the house ex- 
cept to go to the spring for water. Four men 
are to remain on watch outside, day and night. 


SEPAKATED 


167 


Their orders are to shoot without questioning if 
you attempt to move about the island. There 
will he no change in this respect until after the 
Braganza has been found, and life depends upon 
your own actions.’’ 

As he ceased speaking, the man went out 
quickly, probably to avoid any discussion of his 
unnecessarily severe orders, and the boys ran to 
the window just in time to see Mazie and her 
mother step on board the schooner. 

Well, I reckon we’ve settled down to busi- 
ness,” Captain Jake said, as he sought solace in 
a pipe of tobacco. Here we are, cooped u]^ 
like chickens, with the cheering prospect of a 
bullet in our heads if we so much as take a sniff 
of fresh air.” 

The worst part of it is that we’re likely to 
stay a good while,” Ernest said, with a feeble 
attempt at cheerfulness. '' Suppose Mazie doesn’t 
succeed in reading the cipher ?” 

Then it’s a question of staying till they get 
tired, or we die,” Perry replied, mournfully. 

Not much,” and Captain Jake spoke very 


168 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


emphatically. ‘‘ I’ll take a good many risks 
rather than be cooped uj) here a week.” 

“ What do you mean,” Ernest asked, in sur- 
prise. 

“ Jest this,” the captain replied, in a whisper. 
“ When the wind’s fair an’ the night dark, it 
wouldn’t be sich a terrible job to reach Roanoke 
on what’s left of the canoe. By sendin’ 'word 
from there to the mainland we could soon have 
a crowd here who would make them fellers 
dance. I might be away three days before I 
was missed, unless the boss of the crowd hap- 
pened to come ashore.” 

“ Do you mean to try to drift across ?” Ernest 
asked, in surprise. 

“ That’s the idea, lads, an’ the next dark 
night, when the wind comes from the south’ard 
an’ east’ard. I’ll make the start. We won’t 
argue the pint, ’cause it’s all settled in my mind. 
Keep your eyes an’ ears open ; find out where 
the guards stay while they’re on the island, 
an’ how often they come nosin’ round the 
hut.” 


SEPARATED 


‘‘But it would be very dangerous to make 
such an attempt,” Perry whispered. 

“ It isn't much different from stayin' here 
with four men prowlin' round to shoot a feller. 
I’ll take the chances, an' run all the risks.” 

Neither the boys nor Captain Jake believed 
it would be possible to carry into effect the 
latter’s plan until after several days, because 
of the many conditions necessary before it could 
be attempted with any hope of success, therefore 
all were surprised when a favorable opportunity 
presented itself that very night. 

After the black man left them, one of the 
party remained at ♦the window constantly in 
order to learn what their enemies were doing. 

When Mrs. Houghton and Mazie had been 
taken on board the yacht, the prisoners saw the 
boat return with four sailors who were unmis- 
takably negroes. All were armed with rifles, 
and there could be no question but that they 
were the sentinels. Where they would be 
stationed was the all-important question. 


CHAPTER XVI 


A BOLD VENTURE 


‘‘ watch them sentries,” CajDtain Jake 

said, eagerly. “See what part of the 
island they travel over, an’ where the head- 
quarters are to be, for I don’t reckon they’ll 
march ’round all the time.” 

It was not difficult to obtain this informa- 
tion. Instead of forming regular lines in order 
to keep in view the four sides of the house, 
the men threw themselves on the ground in a 
small thicket of pines about an hundred feet 
south of the cabin door, and from that point 
began their duties as sentinels. 

“ If they stay there it won’t he very hard 
to give ’em the slip,” Captain Jake said, in a 
tone of satisfaction. “ Then all we want is the 
proper weather. The wind comes from the 
right quarter now ; but it ain’t strong enough.” 

170 


A BOLD VENTURE 


171 


“You wouldn’t leave to-night, no matter 
how favorable the conditions were?” Ernest 
said, interrogatively. 

“I shall take advantage of the first good 
chance,” the old man replied. “ You see 
there’ll be a ten or twelve mile walk in case I 
manage to strike Roanoke, an’ plenty of time is 
needed. I’d sooner go to-night than a week 
from now, when they will he more watch- 
ful.” 

This announcement surprised the hoys, al- 
though no attempt was made to dissuade the 
captain from his purpose. They realized that 
desperate measures must he taken, unless they 
were willing to remain prisoners for an indefi- 
nite time, and both believed their companion 
could accomplish whatever he was willing to 
undertake. 

During the remainder of the day hut little 
was done save to watch the sentinels, and from 
this scrutiny the old man believed he had noth- 
ing to fear in regard to them. The negroes 
remained in the thicket until sunset, when four 


172 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


others came as a relief, and these last stationed 
themselves as had the first. 

The wind, which had been increasing in force 
every hour, was now what might be called 
‘‘half a gale,” and flying scud obscured the 
heavens, shutting out even the light of the 
stars. 

“ I might stay here a month, an’ not have a 
better chance than this,” Captain Jake said, 
when the mantle of night had fully settled 
down over the island. “ Them niggers haven’t 
even taken the trouble to find out the lay of the 
land, an’ I’m a pretty poor kind of a sailor if I 
can’t give ’em the slip. In half an hour I’ll be 
under way.” 

“ Don’t you think the risk is too great ?” 
Ernest asked, not really wishing to dissuade the 
old man from his purpose, but yet fearing to 
have him make the venture. 

“ Not a bit of it, lad, unless we’re willin’ to 
stay here two or three months. If nothin’ 
happens you’ll see me back ag’in in three or 
four days with force enough to take all hands 


A BOLD VENTUKE 


173 


away from the heathen. To-morrow mornin’ 
go for water as usual. Do a good deal of cook- 
in’ so’s to make them on the schooner think 
we’re contented. Walk back an’ forth past the 
windows pretty often, which will help to show 
that three are here, an’ unless the leader of the 
gang comes ashore you won’t have any trouble 
in keeping the secret of my absence. Good-hy, 
boys, an’ if it so happens that I don’t come 
hack, remember I did my best to help you out 
of this scraj)e. Don’t come to the door. Good- 
by.” 

With the last word he lifted the latch, opened 
the door only so far as was necessary to permit 
of an exit, and closed it behind him, leaving 
the hoys to listen with hated breath for the 
report of firearms which would tell that he had 
been discovered and shot. 

One after another the moments went by, and 
no sound broke the silence. The murmur of 
the waters as they rolled upon the beach could 
alone be heard, and after half an hour liad 
passed Ernest said, with a long drawn sigh of 
relief : 


174 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


If he hadn’t got away there would have 
been some outcry. -Most likely by this time he 
is well into the- Sound with nothing but a 
plank or two to keep him from drowning.” 

“ Do you believe he’ll ever reach Roanoke ?” 
Perry asked, in a whisper. 

We’ll hope so, but all the chances seem to 
be against him. It won’t do, though, for us to 
sit here quietly when he told us to move around 
so we can be seen from the windows.” 

Thus reminded. Perry began to bustle around 
the hut, and in the exercise he found a certain 
relief from the nervousness which beset him. 

The hours went by until midnight, when 
there could no longer be any question but that 
the captain had left the island, and the boys lay 
down to rest but not to sleep, for the thought of 
the dangers to which he was exposed prevented 
their eyes from closing. 

With the first light of day both were at the 
window facing that portion of the Sound over 
which the old man intended to pass with no 
other craft than two broken planks ; but nothing 
could be seen of the venturesome voyager. 


A BOLD VENTURE 


175 


There isn’t much satisfaction in the knowl- 
edge that he is no longer in sight,” Ernest said, 
after scrutinizing the surrounding waters, for 
he may have been drowned.” 

Let’s believe that he reached the island in 
safety,” Perry said, with a shudder ; and then 
he went to the spring for water, reporting on his 
return : The sentinels are still in the thicket. 
I can see that the fragments of the canoe have 
been overhauled, and it looks as if half a dozen 
planks had been carried away.” 

The morning meal was prepared with great 
elaboration, more for the purpose of passing away 
the time than because either of the boys were 
hungry, and Ernest was cleaning up the room 
as he had seen Mrs. Houghton do, when Perry, 
who was at the window, cried in alarm : 

“ A boat is putting off from the schooner, and 
I am certain that in her is the man that gave us 
our last instructions. If he comes here. Captain 
Jake’s absence must surely be discovered, and 
then what will happen ?” 

He’s seen or heard something to arouse his 


176 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


suspicions, and has come to find out what oc- 
curred last night,” Ernest replied, after satisfy- 
ing himself that Perry’s statement was cor- 
rect. 

It isn’t that. Mazie has told him that she 
wanted you to help her, and the captain will be 
betrayed through our own foolishness.” 

“I’m afraid that is true,” Ernest replied, 
thoughtfully ; and then, after a short pause, he 
added bitterly : “We are the ones who will suffer 
by it, however, for he has got so far away that it 
isn’t likely they can overtake him.” 

With the deepest anxiety the hoys watched 
the little boat, as she was propelled swiftly 
through the water by three pairs of oars ; saw 
their enemy step from her to the beach and then 
walk directly toward the house. 

“ It won’t be long before we shall know the 
worst,” Ernest said, in a low tone. “ He is com- 
ing for me, and ” 

Before he could finish the sentence the door 
Wiis opened, and the eldest black man stood on 
the threshold. 


A BOLD VENTURE 


177 


Which of you hoys has been helping the 
girl read the figures ?” 

I have tried to, but don’t think I was of 
much assistance,” Ernest replied, his voice 
trembling despite all efibrts to make it sound 
firm. 

Then you will accompany me Where 

is your companion — the old man ?” 

^‘He — he — he went out a little while ago. 
Perhaps he has gone to the spring,” and Ernest’s 
voice was now so shaky thaf the most obtuse 
would have observed his agitation. 

The man glanced quickly toward the corner 
where the water jDail stood ; saw that it was full, 
and then shouted for the sentinels, who obeyed 
his summons with the utmost alacrity. 

After a few moments of loud and apparently 
exciting conversation, the negroes started on a run 
toward the beach, diverging from the house in 
every direction, and the man took his stand in 
front of the frightened boys as he asked 
sternly : 

12 


178 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘When did your companion go away? It 
will not he safe to tell me an untruth.” 

It took Ernest hut a moment to revolve the 
matter in his mind, and he concluded that it 
would he useless to equivocate, or to refuse 
to answer, therefore he said without hesita- 
tion : 

“ He left the hut yesterday, about an hour 
after sunset.” 

“ For what purpose ?” 

“ To reach Roanoke if possible.” 

“ But he had no boat.” 

“ He intended to use a plank as an aid in 
swimming, and counted on being helped by the 
strong wind.” 

The most intense anger was depicted on the 
man’s face ; but he remained silent until one by 
one the sentinels returned to make a report, and 
when the last stood before him his passion burst 
forth in a torrent of words. 

Although the boys could not understand what 
was said, they knew the negroes were being 


A BOLD VENTURE 


179 


soundly rated for having kept such careless 
watch. Each one cowered as if in fear of re- 
ceiving bodily punishment, and when the lecture 
was brought to a close they scurried off into the 
thicket at full speed. 

I should have known how much the oaths 
you took could he depended upon,’’ the man 
said, savagely, as he turned toward the trem- 
bling prisoners. 

He was no longer bound by it,” Ernest said, 
firmly, ‘‘ and you understood that fact, otherwise 
there would have been no sentinels posted on the. 
island.” 

“I forbid you to speak!” the man cried 
in a paroxysm of rage. ‘‘ His escape shall not 
turn me from my purpose, nor avail you. Go 
to the boat, and once on board the schooner we 
will see whether it is possible to prevail against 
the mighty ones. March ahead of me, and 
make no attempt to turn aside from a straight 
path.” 

Ernest clasped Perry’s hand, and the two went 
toward the beach, their captor shouting some 


180 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


command to the frightened negroes in the 
thicket. 

Without waiting for further orders the hoys 
stepped into the boat, which was drawn up on the 
beach, the man followed, and the trip to the 
schooner was made in silence. 


CHAPTER XVII 


ON THE YACHT 


AZIE was on deck, watching for the return 
of the boat, and, from the look of satis- 
faction on her face, it could readily be under- 
stood that she had innocently exposed Captain 
Takers scheme by sending for the boys to assist 
her on the cipher. 

Good morning,’’ she cried merrily, when 
they were within hail; but neither answered, 
save by an inclination of the head, which caused 
her so much surprise that she did not speak 
again until they had clambered over the rail, 
when Ernest explained in a few whispered words 
the condition of affairs. 

I don’t think they can catch the captain,” he 
added, in conclusion, for if he escaped drowning 
it is positive he reached Roanoke before daylight 
this morning. It will most^ likely go pretty 

181 


182 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


hard with us ; but we’ll he able to stand it, know- 
ing Captain Jake will soon be here with a force 
large enough to overpower these men.” 

By this time Mrs. Houghton looked out from 
the companion way, and, noticing Mazie’s pale 
face, stepped forward to ask the cause just as the 
leader of the black men, who had been consult- 
ing with several of his party, came toward the 
boys. 

“ Do you know from what point your friend 
left the island ?” 

“We didn’t see him after he went out of the 
house,” Perry replied, and added, with a smile : 
“ No one fancied the sentinels could be avoided 
so easily.” 

With an exclamation of anger the man turned 
away to issue a command in his peculiar lan- 
guage, which was followed by the lowering of 
the second boat. 

On being told of Captain Jake’s bold venture, 
Mrs. Houghton was throughly alarmed. 

“ He could never reach the island without a 
boat,” she said, in an agony of apprehension. 
“ Why did you let him go ?” 


ON THE YACHT 


183 


I don’t fancy we could have prevented him, 
no matter what we said or did,” Ernest replied. 

I believe, however, that he got across all right, 
and it won’t be many hours before we see him 
again.” 

Except during the few seconds during which 
Ernest explained what had occurred in the hut, 
Mazie watched the movements of those on deck, 
and now she asked in a whisper : 

What are they doing with the sails ?” 

“ The schooner is being got under way !” 
Perry exclaimed. They are going to carry us 
off for fear Captain Jake will come back with 
force enough to overpower them.” 

That this supposition was the correct one 
there could be no doubt. A joortion of the crew 
were in two boats rowing around tbe island, 
j)robably in search of some evidence as to 
whether the old man’s scheme was a success or a 
failure, and the remainder were unfurling the 
canvas, heaving the cable short, or in other 
ways getting ready for sea. 

The leaders of the party paid no attention to 


184 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


their subordinates. A few moments after Mazie 
discovered what was being done, the eldest 
brought from the cabin a package wrapped in 
crimson velvet, trimmed with silver fringe, and 
as one of the others spread a square of the same 
colored silk on the deck amidships, the gor- 
geously enveloped bundle was placed upon 
it. 

This seemed to be a signal for every officer 
and sailor to cease work. Those in the rigging 
came down, and, with the others, prostrated 
themselves on the deck, while the four leaders, 
divesting themselves of their outer garments, 
placed curiously shaped bronze urns on each 
corner of the silken rug. 

These elaborately wrought vessels were filled 
with aromatic gums or incense, which, when 
lighted, sent forth clouds of fragrant smoke. As 
this arose the four men chanted what sounded 
very like an invocation, the remainder of the 
party joining from time to time, as if making re- 
sponses in the manner of their religion. 

When this had continued fully ten minutes 


ON THE YACHT 


185 


the leader approached the covered package on 
his knees, the entire company singing a wild, 
exultant strain as he removed the velvet, disclos- 
ing what to Mazie^s eyes appeared to he a huge 
mass of glittering gems. 

It was pyramidal in form, standing about 
twelve inches high, and flashing in the sunlight 
dazzling hues of every color. 

Mazie’s cry of surprise and admiration was 
drowned by the wild song, which was echoed 
by those in the boats, now fully a quarter of a 
mile away, and the devotees continued the cere- 
monies as if unconscious that their prisoners 
were spectators. 

During half an hour was this strange scene 
continued, and then, as the four who officiated 
covered the blazing gems with the velvet, the 
crew resumed their work with such effect that 
when the boats returned from the useless search 
the schooner was ready for sea. 

At the last moment two men were sent ashore, 
returning in a short time with a miscellaneous 
collection of goods from the pirate’s hut, among 


186 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


which the boys recognized the old book owned 
by Captain Winny. 

<< We’re in for it now,” Ernest said, with a 
brave attempt at cheerfulness. They are going 
to sea until Captain Jake gives up searching for 
us.” 

But what are we to do ?” Mazie asked in dis- 
may. 

Stay here and work on the cipher until they 
get tired of carrying us around,” Ernest replied, 
with a forced laugh, and before he could say 
anything more the leader of the blacks came 
aft. 

“ You are to go below and remain there ex- 
cept at such times as we see fit to allow you on 
deck,” he said, sternly. If you take my ad- 
vice the time will be spent in studying the cipher, 
for the duration of your stay on this vessel de- 
pends upon the reading of the secret writing.” 

Mrs. Houghton was the first to obey this 
harshly spoken command, and the others fol- 
lowed just as the white wings of the yacht were 
spread, causing her to heel in a coquettish way 


ON THE YACHT 


187 


us llie west wind sent her forward with a “ hone 
in her teeth.” 

Despite the fact that the prisoners were over- 
whelmed with fear and apprehension at thus 
being carried further away from home and 
friends, the boys looked about curiously as they 
entered the cabin, which was fitted up in a 
peculiarly gorgeous if not elegant manner. 

The saloon, on which opened ten staterooms, 
was literally covered, save as to the floor, with 
silk, embroidered in fanciful devices, and tufted 
with bullion tassels to hold the costly fabric in 
place. The mainmast was carved elaborately 
with grotesque figures, embellished by gold and 
silver leaf, and in a metal band were set a great 
number of small rubies, turquoises, and ame- 
thysts, forming the word Lingam but 
whether this was the name of the yacht, or 
some mystic symbol, the boys were unable to 
decide. 

The floor was covered with wood of various 
hues, inlaid to form pictures of men and women 
in a variety of devotional attitudes. 


188 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


“ It looks like the representation of a heathen 
temple, doesn^t it?’’ Mazie said as Ernest and 
Perry hastily surveyed the gorgeous apartment. 

Do ^ou know I think that it has been fitted up 
for some such purpose — a floating place of wor- 
ship. Behind that curtain, in a sort of steel 
closet or safe, are the idols. I caught a glimpse 
last night of several things similar to the one 
we saw on deck.” 

The curtain to which she referred was of crim- 
son velvet embroidered in gold, hanging from 
ceiling to floor. 

Like the other nine, the stateroom assigned to 
Mazie and her mother was in striking contrast 
to the apartment from which it led, owing to 
the plainness of the furnishings. Two berths, 
with well worn, hut cleanly bedding, a wash- 
stand, three chairs, and a small mirror was all it 
contained. There was no carpet, and the near- 
est approach to adornment was a coating of drab 
paint. 

To examine these portions of the yacht had 
not occupied very much time, for none of the 


ON THE YACHT 


189 


party felt inclined to linger over details. A 
hasty glance at this or that peculiarity in the 
upholstering of what Mazie called the temple, 
was sufficient for the hoys, and then they stood 
near the companionway, hoping to gain some 
information of the course by the sounds from 
the deck. 

Since both the officers and crew spoke in an 
unknown tongue, very little could be learned by 
listening, and it was only possible to see the man 
at the wheel or a small patch of blue sky di- 
rectly overhead. 

“ If we knew where we were going it wouldn’t 
seem quite so rough,” Perry said, mournfully. 

Captain Jake may succeed in finding the 
schooner providing she remains in some one of 
the sounds ; but suppose they take it into their 
heads to leave this part of the globe?” 

'' I don’t think we need have much fear of 
that,” Mrs. Houghton said, hopefully. '' They 
are too dee23ly interested in the diamonds to go 
away without thought of returning.” 

Very likely they won’t come back until the 


190 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


cipher has been read,” Ernest added, “and it 
is best for us to set about it at once. They Ve 
got the whip hand, and we had better give 
in gracefully, than to pout when it will do 
no good.” 

“ It’s of no use for me to try any more,” 
and Mazie looked thoroughly discouraged. “ I 
have used every method with which I am 
familiar, and failed dismally.” 

At this moment one of the sailors entered, 
and after prostrating himself before the velvet 
curtain in an attitude of most profound devo- 
tion, he handed Mazie an old book, going back 
to the deck before she had time to speak. 

“ This has been brought from the hut,” she 
said in surprise. “ What reason could those 
men have for sending it to me ?” 

“Oh, ‘Phisicke Against Famine,’” Perry 
added, laughingly, as he read the title. “ That’s 
the book Captain Dorr valued so highly that 
he was careful not to wear it out by too much 
reading.” 

“ How queer that it should have been brought 


ON THE YACHT 


191 


just at the moment when we were talking about 
the cryptogram,” Ernest said, musingly, and 
after a brief pause he added, in a louder tone, 
‘‘I wouldnh be surprised if in it we found a 
key to the cipher. Since to go on deck is for- 
bidden, let’s spend our time searching for some 
hidden meaning. Perhaps by taking a certain 
word on each page we may solve the riddle. 
Mazie, look for the ninety-seventh word on the 
first page.” 

This plan of reading the cipher was a new 
one, and, without regard to their novel sur- 
roundings, the little party were soon deeply 
engrossed in the mystery. 


CHAPTEK XVIII 


IN PUKSUIT 


I^^ PXEST was confident he had hit upon 
the correct method of reading the cipher, 
and Mazie seated herself at the table, whereon 
were - writing * materials, hardly less excited than 
the boys. 

Have you found the ninety-seventh word 
Ernest asked. When you do, write it down, 
and then look for the sixty-fourth on th-e second 


page.’^ 

Mazie followed his instructions as he called 
out the old pirate’s figures in turn, insisting that 
each should be taken from the succeeding page, 
until seven had been found, after which he 
looked at the result. 

I, it, be, go, angels, bade, upon,” was what 
she had written, and Ernest threw down the 
book impatiently as he cried : 


192 


IN PURSUIT 


193 


“I give up tlie whole thing! There’s no 
sense in it, and if the old captain wanted to 
keep his secret, he has done so with a ven- 
geance. I wish we had thrown the figures into 
the fire, and then these men wouldn’t hold us 
prisoners in the belief that we can read such 
stupid stuff.” 

‘‘Don’t get discouraged so quickly,” Mazie 
said, soothingly. “ It doesn’t prove that the 
key isn’t in this book simply because we fail 
on the first attempt.” 

“ Try the figures in couples,” Perry sug- 
gested, as he took up the pajier. “For in- 
stance, let’s suppose ninety-seven refers to the 
page, then find the sixty-fourth word.” 

“ ‘ This,’ ” Mazie replied, after a short search. 

“ Now try the second couple. Page eighty- 
four, word sixty-eight.” 

“ ‘ Useless,’ ” was the answer, and Perry co*n- 
tinued reading, alternately the number of page 
and word until, when he had found seven, there 
could be no question but that they were follow- 
in 2: the correct method. 

13 


194 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


We have found it Mazie cried, gleefully. 

In a short time we will finish the work !” 

The end was not as near as she supposed, 
however. 

When all the figures had thus been read in 
pairs from the hook, they had indeed a message 
from the old pirate ; hut it only served to 
deepen the mystery, for this was the result 
after punctuating it as would seem proper : 

This useless hook will serve a purpose for 
which it was never intended, and thus do me 
more good than would any of its teachings. It 
is by no means necessary to a correct reading of 
the writings; hut may serve to show those, 
other than the sons of Ham who pursue me, 
how to read what I have written. Use with zest 
the name, and by patience, together with a 
knowledge of secret writings, prepare a rule 
which shall he to all familiar signs a perfect 
square. Take away from what has been set 
down, the sum of the name, and the remainder 
shall stand revealed. 

Each in turn pored over the very unsatisfac- 


IN PUKSUIT 


195 


tory explanation, and then Ernest read it aloud, 
saying as he finished : 

I’d like to know how much we’ve gained by 
discovering this ? There doesn’t seem to be 
any sense in it, and the last sentence appears 
to be the sum of the whole.” 

Again and again did the puzzled students 
read the words, without being able to extract 
any information, and then Mazie said : 

It’s certain we don’t know what it means, 
and I propose we call in the head jailer to 
show him how much has been discovered.” 

And it will prove we have been working,” 
Perry suggested as Ernest ran up the compan- 
ionway^ladder, where he beckoned to the leader 
of the blacks, who happened to be standing 
near the port rail aft. 

What do you want ?” the man asked gruffly, 
and Ernest replied : 

‘‘ We have found a portion of that cipher — 
enough at least to show that it is secret writing, 
and thought you might like to know what has 
been done.” 


196 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


The black man delayed a moment to look 
astern, which gave Ernest an opportunity of 
seeing that the wind was rapidly blowing itself 
out, and then he went into the cabin, where 
Mazie handed him the result of their labors. 

It was fully ten minutes before he ceased 
studying over the words, and then he asked 
abruptly : 

‘‘ What do you understand from this 

Nothing,’’ Mazie replied. It sounds like 
nonsense to say, ‘ take away from what has been 
set down the sum of the name, and the remain- 
der shall stand revealed.’ I can’t make out the 
meaning of such words, no matter how hard I 
try.” 

And yet in that sentence is contained the 
secret,” the man said, thoughtfully. 

I’m afraid none of us will ever solve it,” 
and Mazie spoke in a hopeless tone. I think 
we have done all that is possible.” 

“ Do not be discouraged. You have done 
very well so far, and will presently be able to 
read the one important statement. As a reward 


m PURSUIT 197 

for having been industrious, you can all come on 
deck during the remainder of the afternoon.” 

Without waiting to see whether they would 
avail themselves of this permission, the man 
went out of the cabin quickly, as if believing he 
might be needed on deck, and Ernest said bit- 
terly : 

He^s very kind to give us a chance to 
breathe fresh air, when without any rhyme or 
reason he holds us prisoners. I’m not going to 
take advantage of his permission.” 

“ Then you will be depriving yourself of a 
pleasure without hurting his feelings in the 
slightest,” Mrs. Houghton said with a smile. 
“Take my advice and get all the happiness 
possible out of this involuntary voyage.” 

Both Mazie and Perry were eager to see in 
which direction the schooner was sailing, and 
Ernest followed them on deck. 

The breeze had fined down almost to a calm. 
The jaunty little craft was yet slipping through 
the water at a wonderful rate of speed consider- 
ing the lightness of the wind, but it could 


198 


THE ERAGANZA DIAMOND 


readily be seen that she must soon come to an 
anchor. 

The island from which they had been taken 
was already lost to view in the distance, and the 
boys knew from what Captain Jake had told 
them regarding the conformation of the land, 
that they were standing well down Pamlico 
Sound. 

‘‘ It will be a smart man who can find us 
now,’’ Ernest said sadly. “No matter how 
many men Captain Jake finds willing to help 
him, we shan’t be benefited.” 

“ Do you notice that these men keep looking 
back anxiously ?” Mazie whispered. “ It seems 
as if they were afraid of being followed.” 

“That is exactly what troubles them, and 
they have good cause,” Ernest replied, as he 
tried to repress any signs of excitement. “ Look 
straight over the wheel and you will see a 
steamer. She seems to be heading directly for 
us. Come below where we can talk without 
being overheard.” 

Perry followed his cousin to learn why he 


IN PUKSUIT 


199 


was leaving the deck so soon, and, on hearing 
the good news, indulged in the most extrava- 
gant antics expressive of delight. 

‘‘ Don’t count too surely on it,” Ernest said, 
warningly; ‘‘for she may only be one of the 
regular passenger boats. I did not dare to stay 
up there for fear it might make trouble if I 
showed how glad I felt. Each of us will take 
turns going on deck, and by that means we shall 
know all that occurs.” 

This seemed like an excess of precaution, for 
it was not likely that the men would send them 
below unless the pursuing steamer came very 
near; but Ernest insisted upon it lest they 
should be deprived of an opportunity to view 
the chase. 

In pursuance of this plan, first one and then 
another went on deck ; but there was nothing 
especial to report until after dark. 

Late in the afternoon the wind died away en- 
tirely, but the steamer was at such a distance 
that nothing definite regarding her could be 
ascertained. 


200 


THE HE, AGAIN Z A DIAMOND 


More than once did Mazie insist that they 
were foolish to he excited over what could not 
concern them, since Captain Jake had not been 
absent long enough to procure assistance; but 
Ernest argued that he might have fallen in with 
a steamer near Roanoke, and was thus able to 
follow them so closely. 

When the sun set, the approaching craft was 
not more than five miles away, and coming di- 
rectly toward the schooner, a fact which con- 
vinced Ernest that his supposition was correct. 

She , looks like a ’ small boat,” he said on 
coming below when the gloom of night had 
shut out all surrounding objects. Most likely 
it’s a pleasure craft or tug, either of which 
might be met near Roanoke.” 

It was Perry’s turn to go on deck, and his 
report was startling. 

The crew have got both boats out, and are 
towing us toward the western shore. The water 
must be shoal around here, for two sailors are 
kept busy heaving the lead. There can be no 
question now but that the black men believe as 


IN PUESUIT 


201 


we do, and are trying to escape under cover of 
the darkness.” 

Neither of the prisoners had fancied the 
schooner could be moved during a calm, and 
the information that she was being taken over 
the shoals changed their joy to despair. 

Can men in small boats pull a big vessel 
like this T Mazie asked in surprise. 

Indeed they can ; and at a pretty fair rate 
of speed.” 

‘‘ Let’s stay near the top of the companion- 
way,” Ernest whispered, “ and if the steamer 
comes anywhere near, yell the best we know 
how, regardless of consequences.” 

“ Hark !” Mrs. Houghton said, warningly, 
and as all listened, the regular beat of paddle 
wheels could be heard, telling that the steamer 
was but a short distance away. 

‘‘ There’s no time to lose,” Ernest said ex- 
citedly. ^^We must make them hear us now, 
for we may never have another chance.” 


CHAPTER XIX 


A FAMILIAR VOICE 

black men were using every possible 



means to escape from the steamer. They 
knew beyond a peradventure that if Captain 
Jake had succeeded in reaching Roanoke it 
would not be long before a strong party came in 
pursuit, hence the hasty departure from the old 
pirate’s island. 

It was more probable the chase would be con- 
tinued in order to punish them for what had 
already been done, even if the prisoners were 
left behind ; therefore, little could be gained by 
surrender, while there were many op23ortunities 
of eluding those on the steamer. 

Mazie and the boys had already shown wliat 
was possible for them to do in the way of read- 
ing intricate writing, and the black men wished 


202 


A FAMILIAK VOICE 


203 


to keep tlie prisoners on board until the import- 
ant secret had been discovered. 

By the aid of glasses the officers of the 
schooner knew several hours previous that the 
steamer was pursuing them, and when night 
came every method was adopted for conceal- 
ment. All the lights were extinguished ; no one 
spoke above a whisper, and the men in the boats 
had stuffed the rowlocks with cloth to prevent 
the oars from creaking. 

When the boys crept to the companionway 
they saw that those on deck had even taken the 
precaution of removing their shoes. 

The perfect silence, the darkness, and the 
consciousness that the yacht was gliding through 
the water quite rapidly, although every sail 
was furled, caused things to seem unreal, and 
more than once, as he listened to the sound of 
paddle wheels in the distance, did Ernest grip 
his own hand firmly to arouse himself from the 
idea that in a dream he was on board a phan- 
tom ship, sailing by some supernatural power 
over a sea of ink. 


204 


THE braga:sza diamond 


Nearer and nearer sounded the churning of 
water, which betokened the presence of friends. 
Then a tiny spark was seen, as if some one on 
board the steamer had lighted a cigar, and the 
boys realized that she was forging ahead of 
them. 

Now Ernest was not troubled with fancies; 
the stern reality j)resented itself to his mind 
very forcibly, and he whispered to Perry : 

If they keep on that course five minutes 
longer there will be no chance of finding us 
again. We must make a dash for the rail, and 
hail them.” 

‘‘ I’m ready,” Perry replied, in a voice trem- 
bling with excitement. 

Pising to their feet cautiously, the boys waited 
only long enough to get a general idea where 
the men were standing, and then ran swiftly 
forward, shouting at the full strength of their 
lungs : 

Ahoy on the steamer ! You are running 
ahead of us ! Help ! help !” 

There was no opportunity to say anything 


A FAMILIAR VOICE 


205 


more, for these words had but just been uttered 
when both the boys were seized by the throat as 
if with an iron hand, hut in the short interval 
of time before they were hurled into the cabin 
with a force that dazed them, the answering cry 
was heard : 

“ Ay, ay, my hearties ! Keep your courage 
up, for we’ll soon overhaul them niggers !” 

At the same instant the flash of a musket 
was seen, and a bullet went hurtling through 
the rigging high above their heads. 

This was all the boys saw or heard. On real- 
izing anything more they were on the floor of 
the cabin with contused heads, caused by coming 
into violent contact with the 23olished wood. 

The hatches were closed and locked, and one 
of the men stood inside near the companionway 
with a drawn revolver, as a very unpleasant 
reminder of what would occur if any outcry was 
made. 

This was no time for nursing bruises ; as a 
matter of fact, neither of the boys realized that 
any injury had been inflicted, owing to the in- 


206 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


tense excitement of the moment. Both sat holt 
upright, listening intently to the sounds from 
the outside in the hope of getting some idea of 
how the chase was progressing. 

During the next ten minutes the reports of 
muskets were heard at irregular intervals, each 
succeeding one sounding fainter and fainter, a 
positive indication that the black men were elud- 
ing their pursuers. 

When half an hour had passed a profound 
silence reigned, and Ernest whispered to Mazie : 

‘‘ It’s all up with us now. Captain Jake’s 
party have lost sight of the schooner in the 
darkness, and there isn’t a chance that they’ll 
find her again.” 

‘‘We’ll hope for the best,” Mazie replied. 
“ Perhaps the steamer will be close at hand 
when the sun rises.” 

Even this cheering idea was disjoelled an hour 
later when the noise of men moving about the 
deck could be heard, and then a slight inclina- 
tion of the yacht told that the night wind had 
sprung up. 


A FAMILIAR VOICE 


207 


There could be no question but that the men 
would make every effort to reach the oj^en 
ocean, and once there they could laugh at pur- 
suit. The sentinel was called from the cabin, 
and again the prisoners were alone, with no 
hopeful thought to comfort them. 

It is foolish to sit here magnifying our trou- 
bles,^’ Mrs. Houghton said after a long time of 
silence. Our lives are not in danger ; we shall 
not suffer from hunger or thirst, and that is 
sufficient cause for thankfulness. Since it is im- 
possible to improve matters by fretting, we must 
look on the bright side. Mazie and I will retire, 
and you boys had better get some sleep.” 

‘‘ If we do, it will be on. the floor,” Ernest re- 
plied. “ They haven’t given us a bed, and after 
the encounter on deck I don’t fancy they will be 
any too careful regarding our comfort.” 

You can be no worse off than in the hut,” 
Mazie said, as she entered her stateroom, and 
the boys Avere left alone to discuss the situation 
or sleep, as best suited them. 

Very many were the suggestions each made 


208 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


as to a possible way of escape ; but none promised 
so much as a probability of success, and it was 
nearly midnight when Perry said disconsolately : 

‘‘ I’m afraid it won’t do us any good to specu- 
late about getting away, for it can’t be done till 
they are ready to let us go. If our parents 
only knew where we were I wouldn’t feel so 
badly. Let’s make up a bed on these lockers, 
and see if it is possible to sleep.” 

The wind had increased until a short, choppy 
sea was raised, and the yacht danced about with 
such a jerky motion that it was difficult for the 
boys to remain on the impromptu bed without 
clinging to something, which prevented them 
from gaining very much rest. In addition to 
the schooner’s erratic movements, both were 
suffering bodily as well as mental pain, for now 
that their excitement had in a measure subsided 
they became sensible of the bruises inflicted 
when they were flung down-stairs. 

With the first light of dawn they were awake, 
and looking decidedly the worse for wear. 

Ernest had a large, discolored lump on his 


A FAMILIAR VOICE 


209 


left temple Avhich gave him a most comical 
a23pearance, and Perry’s face was swollen until, 
as his cousin said, his nose looked like a small 
plum in a large pudding.” 

If we come below once more in the same 
fashion as last night, there won’t be enough left 
of us to get on deck again,” Ernest said with a 
mirthless laugh. I feel anything rather than 
comfortable about the stomach ; do you sup- 
pose it’s seasickness ?” 

‘‘ I guess it is,” was the mournful reply, and 
during the remainder of that day neither the 
boys nor Mrs. Houghton paid very much atten- 
tion to what was going on around them. 

The yacht was on the open ocean, with suffi- 
cient Avind to keep the lee rail down in what, to 
a landsman, would have seemed a dangerous 
manner, and gliding swiftly over the foam- 
crested waves, headed for the Bahama Islands. 

The sufferers could not comjolain because of 
neglect. The steward helped the boys into a 
stateroom opposite the one occupied by Mazie, 
and paid them a visit every hour ; but since he 
14 


210 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


could not speak English, his suggestions were of 
little value. 

Not until the following morning, when they 
had been twenty-four hours at sea, did either of 
the involuntary voyagers make any attempt to 
get out of bed. Ernest was the first to venture 
on deck, and, a short time later, when Perry 
joined him, he looked quite natural. 

Yes, Ihn getting over the sickness,” he said 
in answer to his cousin’s question ; but there’s 
nothing very cheering in this outlook. We are 
going across the ocean, and there don’t seem to 
be much chance of ever getting back.” 

Mrs. Houghton thought they Avouldn’t go 
very far away because of the diamonds ; but 
she was mistaken.” 

I should say so. Look aloft, and you can 
tell that they have got ready for a long voy- 
age.” 

Perry saw that the topmasts had been sent 
down, the decks cleared, and every j^reparation 
made for heavy weather. The most inexperi- 
enced person could have told that she was 


A FAMILIAR VOICE 


211 


snugged down for an ocean trip, and this was 
sufficient to prevent any feeling of joy on the 
part of the boys at their deliverance from sea- 
sickness. 

‘‘You have not worked on the cipher since we 
put to sea, I suppose,” the leader of the black 
men said, as he approached in such a stealthy 
manner that Ernest was positive he had been 
listening to their conversation. 

“ This is the first time we have been able to 
get out of bed,” Perry replied curtly. 

“ There is no reason why you should not im- 
prove the opportunity by setting about the task 
at once,” the man said sternly. “ It would be 
well if the secret was discovered before we land, 
for your accommodations on shore will not be 
as jDleasant as here.” 

Having said this with the air of one who 
gives fatherly advice, the black man walked for- 
ward, and Ernest whispered to Perry : 

“ I believe they are taking us to Hayti !” 


CHAPTER XX 


SOLVING THE RIDDLE 


~^^NTIL this moment the hoys believed that 
the yacht had put to sea only to escape 
the pursuit of Captain Jake and his friends. 
Neither had fancied she would go very far 
away from the coast ; but now the situation 
seemed even more grave than before. 

There was no longer any desire to remain on 
deck ; the nausea which beset them was for- 
gotten in this new cause for alarm, and they 
hurried into the cabin, where Mrs. Houghton 
and Mazie, both looking pale and worn, were 
seated on one of the lockers. 

The widow was even more distressed than her 
daughter on learning what had been said by the 
black man, probably because she understood 
more clearly what might be their fate when 
212 


SOLVING THE KIDDLE 


213 


taken on shore, and she remained silent until 
Mazie asked : 

Do you think we shall he any worse off at 
Hayti than on Captain Dorr’s island ?” 

It is impossible to say, my child. Any im- 
prisonment would he irksome, and to be so far 
from home, among people who probably do not 
speak our language, is particularly hard.” 

‘‘We may as well make up our minds that it 
must be,” Ernest said, thoughtfully, “ for there 
isn’t the slightest chance of making our escape 
while the yacht’s at sea.” 

“ If the secret writing could be solved the 
men would put us ashore,” the widow replied, 
“ and since that opportunity is before us, why 
not bend every energy to reading it ?” 

“ I’m sure we’ve done our best already,” and 
Mazie spoke impatiently. “ Ever since we read 
the supposed directions I have puzzled over the 
words, ‘prepare a rule which shall be to all 
familiar signs a perfect square,’ but there doesn’t 
seem to be any sense in such a suggestion.” 

“ Suppose we devote the remainder of the day 


214 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


to the study of that sentence. Let each one 
work alone, remembering that our liberty de- 
pends upon its solution, and something should be 
accomplished by nightfall.” 

Before this plan of work could he begun the 
steward came into the cabin with breakfast, and 
after the meal had been eaten the prisoners were 
decidedly refreshed both in mind and body. 

Let us first decide what is meant by ‘ all 
familiar signs,’ ” Mazie said, as she seated her- 
self at the table with paper and pencil. “ What 
would he most familiar to Captain Dorr ?” 

Figures, I should say, for he must have 
been quite well acquainted with them by the 
time he had studied over these long enough to 
conceal his secret,” and Ernest made his pre- 
parations for writing. ‘‘ Besides, the reference 
to a ^ square ’ seems to make that plain.” 

Then you work on that supposition,” Mazie 
replied. “ I’m going to try a square of letters, 
for those are surely ‘ familiar signs.’ ” 

I thought of that,” Perry said ; “ but with 
twenty-six it is impossible to get a perfect 
square.” 


SOLVING THE EIDDLE 


215 


“Tlie letter Ms seldom used in cryj)tograms, 
and by leaving it out there will be no difficulty. 
I’ll try that plan while you and mother devise 
some other method,” and Mazie was soon plunged 
so deeply in study that she did not hear the 
eldest black man when he entered the cabin. 

A look of satisfaction came over his face on 
seeing the party thus engaged, and then he went 
into one of the staterooms at the other end of 
the saloon, emerging therefrom with what Ernest 
fancied was a chart, which he carried on deck. 

During nearly an hour the little party worked 
over the difficult problem in silence, and then 
Ernest said, petulantly : 

I am wrong, that’s positive, for neither by 
squaring any one number, or by placing the 
numbers in the form of a square, is it possible 
to get a result which could, by any combination, 
produce the figures in the document.” 

Mazie made no reply. There was a certain 
look of satisfaction on her face as she pored 
over the paper, which was covered with figures 
placed in a variety of ways, and Ernest ceased 
his useless work to watch her. 


216 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


Mrs. Houghton and Perry continued their 
labors, but from the manner of working one 
would fancy they were not meeting with much 
success. 

Engrossed by the study, neither of the party 
noted the fact that the schooner’s motion had 
changed considerably. Instead of gliding 
smoothly over the waves buoyantly as when the 
boys were on deck, it seemed that she moved 
sluggishly, rising on the swell as if impeded by 
something astern, and rolling to and fro as the 
shapely hull descended the billows. Now and 
then a crashing blow would cause her to stagger, 
stand almost motionless, and the rushing sound 
of water above told that a “ green one ” had 
come in over the rail. 

The air in the cabin grew oppressive and 
heated, until even Mazie was forced to cease 
work. 

“Why don’t they open the hatch, instead ot 
shutting us in here to roast ?” she asked, and 
Ernest replied as the footsteps of men running 
to and fro could he heard : 


SOLVING THE EIDDLE 


217 


I think we are going to have a storm. The 
schooner is jumping about considerably more 
than she did an hour ago. Tell us what you 
have done.” 

“ I’ve made a square of familiar signs,” Mazie 
said with a laugh, and that is about all. A 
cryptogram could be made by it ; but whether 
it is a key to Captain Dorr’s, I can’t say.” 

She handed a slip of paper to her mother as she 
spoke, and, looking over Mrs. Houghton’s shoul- 
der, the boys saw the following : 



“ It looks something like what we want ; but 
yet I don’t understand how it would be possible 
to get ninety-seven, or any such number out of 
it,” Ernest said, after some study. 


218 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Neither do I,” Mazie replied ; but at tlie 
same time it surely is a perfect square of familiar 
signs, and from this idea we may be able to con- 
struct one which would give us the desired re- 
sult.’^ 

Suppose you try ” 

Tlie suggestion Ernest was about to make re- 
mained a secret, for at that instant the schooner 
heeled over as if on the point of capsizing ; the 
occupants of the cabin were thrown violently on 
the floor to starboard, together with every mova- 
ble thing on the table, while the heavy pounding 
of the waves, mingled with the uproar on deck, 
jirevented the poor consolation of speech. The 
prisoners could not have heard each other scream 
during that terrible tumult. 

While the yacht lay apparently on her beam- 
ends it was impossible for the frightened party 
to control their movements. The floor of the 
cabin had suddenly taken the position of the 
staterooms. Fortunately all the starboard doors 
were locked, otherwise the passengers might have 
received very serious injury. 


SOLVING THE RIDDLE 


219 


Now and then above the uproar Ernest thought 
he heard the sound of axes as if the spars were 
being cut away, and after what seemed to he an 
hour, although it could not have been more than 
a quarter of that time, the schooner gradually re- 
sumed her proper position ; but tossed and 
plunged in such a manner as to render it difficult 
for any of the party to rise. 

By exerting all their strength, and taking ad- 
vantage of every favorable moment, the boys 
succeeded in helping Mrs. Houghton and Mazie 
to one of the lockers, where they lay in immi- 
nent danger of being sent spinning across the 
cabin when the yacht plunged into the abyss of 
waters. 

While the vessel remained in the trough of 
the sea it was possible to hear sounds from the 
deck, and there was no longer any question but 
that the spars had gone by the board. 

She has been dismasted,” Ernest said, “ and 
they are cutting away the rigging to pre vent the 
timbers from pounding her to pieces. This will 
put an end to their reaching Hayti.” 


220 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


And also make an end of us/’ Perry re- 
plied in such a lugubrious tone that, despite the 
gravity of the situation, his companions were 
forced to smile. 

The position of affairs would have been more 
terrible but for the knowledge that only a seri- 
ous disaster could save them from being taken to 
Hayti, there to be kept prisoners an indefinite 
time. The horrors of a wreck at sea could 
hardly be greater than what might be expected 
on shore. 

Until late in the afternoon the little party re- 
mained in an agony of apprehension, listening 
to the ominous sounds from the deck, and then 
came that noise which betokens most imminent 
danger — the clank of the pumps. 

‘‘ She’s leaking, and we’re locked up here to 
drown like rats in a hole !” Ernest cried. ‘‘Why 
don’t they open the hatches ?” 

He tried to make his way across the cabin, as 
if fancying he could attract the attention of 
those above by pounding on the woodwork ; but 
before it was possible to reach the companion- 


SOLVING THE RIDDLE 


221 


way the hatch was flung open, and the eldest 
black man, looking haggard and worn, came be- 
low. 

We were dismasted in a squall,’’ he said 
quietly to Mrs. Houghton, and the spars have 
started a timber.” 

Is there any danger of foundering ?” she 
asked, with quivering lips. 

Not immediately. If we can keep her afloat 
twenty-four hours it should he j)ossible to reach 
the Bahamas. The hoys can he of considerable 
assistance at the pumps, and it is my desire that 
you and your daughter should retire to the state- 
room for a short time.” 

Two of the officers came below at this moment, 
and it was not difficult to understand that they 
were about to seek aid from their idols. 

Mazie and her mother did as they had been 
requested, and the boys clambered up the ladder 
to a point where a view of the deck could be 
had. 


CHAPTER XXI 


A FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITY 

scene which met the boys’ gaze filled 



them with fear and apprehension. Ernest 
had thought it was terrible to remain below, fear- 
ing each moment the little craft would sink ; 
but the full extent of the danger could not be 
realized until one saw the amount of damage 


done. 


Both masts were gone about four feet from the 
deck, the jagged ends showing what an amount 


of force the wind must have had to thus rend 


the heavy spars. The bowsprit remained intact ; 
but the jib boom was missing, and the port rail 
had been stove from the cathead to within a few 
feet of the tafirail. 

AVith no steerage way on, the schooner was at 
the sport of the waves, which sent huge volumes 
of water over the bows or stern as she swung 


222 


A FAVORA35LE OPPOKTUNITY 


223 


hopelessly around, and it was necessary for each 
person to keep a firm hold of the life lines, so 
frequently was the deck swept fore and aft. 

“ A good many must have been washed over- 
board,” Ernest said with his mouth close to 
Perry’s ear that the words might be heard above 
the howling of the tempest. It don’t seem to 
me that the crew is half as large as when we 
started.” 

Perry nodded his head, and motioned Ernest 
to go forward where a number of men were 
working at the j)umps with an energy born of 
desperation. The remainder of the crew, among 
whom was one of the officers, were trying to rig 
a jury mast, in order that the schooner might be 
brought under some control ; but the labor was 
both slow and difficult, owing to the torrents of 
water which were flung over the deck. 

Ernest and Perry at once attached themselves 
to the party at the pumps, and until midnight 
each did the work of a man. 

When the boys first came on deck any effort 
to save the little schooner seemed hopeless ; but, 


224 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


thanks to the admirable discipline, before the 
night was more than half spent a small amount of 
canvas had been spread, and she was headed for 
the nearest land. The water in the hold was 
lowered considerably, and half the crew were able 
to prevent an increase, thus giving the tired ones 
an opportunity to rest. 

You had better go below now,’’ the leader of 
the blacks said to the boys in an unusually kind 
tone. You have given us no mean amount of 
assistance, and that I shall not forget.” 

Both were nearly exhausted, and although 
they would have remained at work as long as 
any of the crew rather than desert what was un- 
questionably a post of duty, the suggestion was 
acted upon without delay. 

Mazie and her mother had already retired, 
and they lost no time in stretching themselves 
out on the locker, falling asleep almost immedi- 
ately afterwards. 

When they awakened, the yacht was motion- 
less ; the sunliglit streamed in through the open 
companionway, and Mazie, hearing them discus- 


A FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITY 


225 


sing this unexpected phase of affairs, called out 
cheerily : 

Come up here. We are in a beautiful har- 
bor, and there is no longer any danger of being 
thoroughly wrecked.” 

This wonderfully inspiring information was 
sufficient to bring the boys on deck in a twink- 
ling, and an exclamation of surj)rise and delight 
burst from their lips as they saw that the 
schooner was lying in a tiny sheltered bay, or 
indentation of the coast, not more than a hundred 
feet from the shore. 

‘‘ AVhere are we ?” Perry asked breathlessly. 

‘‘ The leader told me we were somewhere on 
the east coast of the Great Bahama bank, south 
of Settlement Point ; but he doesn’t know more 
than that,” Mrs. Houghton replied. He, with 
one of the officers and four sailors, have gone 
away in the small boat, probably to search for 
some place where the yacht can be repaired.” 

I don’t understand why they dare to stop 
pumping,” Ernest said curiously ; but the reason 
was made plain when he looked over the rail. 

15 


226 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


The water did not appear to be more than six 
or eight feet deep, and the yacht’s bow was un- 
doubtedly on the sand. There would be no 
danger of sinking, and the men could gain a 
needed rest before beginning the arduous work 
of refitting their craft. 

Ernest gazed around curiously at the harbor, 
the coast line stretching away in either direction, 
and at the only remaining boat, which had al- 
ready been lowered, his face lighting up suddenly 
as if because of some happy thought. 

During several moments he stood silent and 
motionless, surveying the scene, and then, beck- 
oning Perry and Mrs. Ploughton to follow, re- 
turned to the cabin. 

What is the matter ?” Mazie asked, as she 
looked down the companion way. 

Ernest laid his fingers oji his lips to prevent 
further questions, and, after assuring himself 
that they were alone, whispered to Mrs. Hough- 
ton : 

‘‘The yacht is aground. The only boat is 
made fast astern, and if those who have gone 


A FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITY 


227 


away do not return before dark, it will be a 
simple matter to make our escape. The men 
cannot pursue us, and, once clear of the schooner 
it will be possible to find a port from which we 
can get home.’’ 

Strange as it may seem, neither of the others 
had realized how easily this could be done dur- 
ing the absence of the second boat, and, as a 
matter of course, all were immediately plunged 
into the highest state of excitement. 

“ If there is any opportunity of escape, how- 
ever slight, we must take advantage of it,” Mrs. 
Houghton said, decidedly ; but I do not under- 
stand how it would be possible to get into the 
boat unobserved.” 

‘‘After dark we can quietly drop over the 
stern one by one. It won’t be difficult, because 
from the taffrail to the boat isn’t more than five 
or six feet, and with the painter made fast it can 
be used to slide down on. Perry and I will row 
all night, and that should be time enough in 
which to reach some settlement. Of course if 


228 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


the others return that settles the scheme, for then 
they would he able to come in pursuit of us.’’ 

If we don’t do it we shall surely be taken to 
Hayti, and with such an alternative no risk is 
too great,” Mazie said, gravely, and her compan- 
ions were evidently of the same opinion. 

At intervals during the remainder of the day 
they settled all the details. Each secreted more 
or less food while eating dinner and supper, and, 
what was considered a rare piece of good luck. 
Perry found a wine bottle in which could be 
carried a small supply of water. 

One or another of the party was constantly on 
watch for the return of those whose presence 
would render the scheme impossible of execu- 
tion ; but no living thing entered the little 
harbor. 

Twice the pumps were manned to so lighten 
the yacht that she would not sink too deeply in 
the sand, and on each occasion Ernest and Perry 
assisted the laborers in order to have a good ex- 
cuse for being on deck. 


A FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITY 


2^Zd 


When the sun finally sank behind the broad 
expanse of water the leader was still absent, and 
the crew went below at a very early hour, leav- 
ing only one man to stand anchor watch. 

Now’s our time,” Ernest whispered, as he 
came softly down from his perch on the com- 
panion ladder. It is dark, and the negro sits on 
the forecastle hatch, smoking. I’ll go first. Perry 
shall follow in five or ten minutes, Mazie after 
the same length of time, and lastly Mrs. Hough- 
ton.” 

Without waiting for a reply he removed his 
shoes, slung them over his neck, and, his pockets 
well filled with food, crept softly on deck. 

To those who were left in the cabin, the sus- 
pense was almost painful. With bated breath 
they listened, expecting each second to hear a 
cry from the man on watch which would tell 
that the attempt was discovered, but not a sound 
broke the silence. Everything was so quiet 
that they could not believe Ernest had reached 
the boat until ten minutes passed, and then Mrs. 
Houghton whispered : 


230 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


must have succeeded. Go, Perry, and 
we will follow as agreed upon.’’ 

Perry had made ready for the venture some 
time before, and, not daring even to reply, fol- 
lowed in Ernest’s footsteps. 

On emerging from the companionway it 
seemed as if the deck was absolutely deserted. 
He could not distinguish the form of the man 
on watch. Groping his way to the taffrail he 
found the painter, and, grasping this firmly, 
lowered himself until Ernest, who was sitting in 
the ’bow waiting for his companions, guided him 
to the forward thwart. 

‘‘ I have cut the painter,” he whispered, “ so 
that we can shove off the moment Mrs. Hough- 
ton comes.” 

Then the two listened intently, their hearts 
beating so violently it seemed as if the pulsa- 
tions could be heard very far away, and Ernest 
counted the seconds, that he might know when 
it was time for Mazie to appear. 

Six minutes were measured in this manner, 
and then suddenly a cry was heard from the deck. 


A FAVOKABLE OPPORTUNITY 


231 


In Ills native tongue the man on watch shouted 
to his shipmates, and an instant later footsteps 
were heard coming from the forecastle. 

This sudden disturbance startled Ernest, and 
unconsciously he allowed the painter to slip 
through his fingers, while Perry’s movement of 
alarm and surprise, caused the little craft to 
glide astern quite rapidly. 

Believing Mazie had been observed while 
coming from the cabin, Ernest was almost stu- 
pefied with fear, and he remained in the bow 
motionless, while the boat drifted further and 
further away from the schooner. 

It was several minutes before he realized what 
had happened. Then the noise ceased ; the 
yacht was swallowed up in the gloom, and the 
tender was outside the little harbor 


CHAPTER XXII 


^^WING to the darkness, it was impossible 
for the boys to conjecture how far they 
had drifted from the schooner ; hut the fact that 
her outlines could no longer he distinguished 
alarmed Ernest, and he whispered to Perry : 

‘‘I was idiot enough to let go the painter 
without knowing it, and the current has carried 
us some distance away/’ 

Get out the oars,” Perry replied in a tone 
incautiously loud. We must go back before 
Mazie leaves the cabin. What do you suppose 
caused the alarm ?” 

‘‘ The man on watch probably called for some 
one to relieve him. I was pretty badly scared 
at one time, thinking our escape was discovered. 
Let me get at the oars while you keep a shar]) 
lookout in the bow.” 

232 


ADKIFT 


233 


In order to effect this change of position with- 
out noise, considerable time was consumed, and 
every moment caused the boat to drift more 
rapidly toward the open ocean. 

The oars were finally got into the rowlocks, 
Ernest placing each so cautiously that not the 
slightest sound broke the silence ; hut to work 
them noiselessly and effectively was quite a dif- 
ferent matter. A single stroke was sufficient to 
show that it was impossible to prevent a certain 
amount of creaking, and this those on the 
schooner could not fail to hear, if it was con- 
tinued. 

We shall have to paddle,’’ Ernest whispered. 

Are we heading in the right direction now !” 

I haven’t the slightest idea,” Perry replied 
in the same cautious tone. ‘‘We may have 
turned around half a dozen times in the dark- 
ness, and perhaps, be headed out to sea by this 
time.” 

Ernest was silent during the next few minutes 
as he tried in vain to distinguish objects in the 
gloom, and then he said : 


234 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


“We must take cliances and paddle toward 
where we think she is. You may call me 
all manner of hard names, Perry, for getting 
you in this scrape. If I had held on to the 
painter 

“ Never mind the ‘ ifs,’ old fellow. We must 
be back soon, and it don’t pay to waste time 
grumbling about yourself.” 

“ Well keep her headed as she is, and hope 
to strike the right place. Be careful not to make 
any noise.” 

Ernest handed his cousin an oar, and during 
the next fifteen minutes the two boys worked 
industriously, until Perry said, as he ceased his 
labors to wipe the perspiration from his face : 

“We couldn’t have drifted as far as this from 
the yacht. Don’t you feel considerable mo- 
tion ?” 

“ There seems to be quite a swell, and ” 

He did not complete the sentence ; but, drop- 
ping his oar, exclaimed in a tone of fear : 

“We have been putting directly out to sea. 
Perry ! The boat must be a good distance be- 


ADEIFT 


235 


yond the liarhor, otherwise she wouldn’t toss 
about so much !” 

Perhaps Perry had some such idea before, for 
he did not express as much surprise as would 
have been natural under the circumstances. 

It won’t do to paddle any further away. We 
must lie still here till morning, and by that 
time I fancy we shall be sorry for having tried 
to escape. If it Avasn’t calm, things would be 
pretty tough ; so we’ve got something for which 
to be thankful.” 

But think of Mazie and her mother !” Er- 
nest cried. What will those men do to them 
when it is learned that we have run away ?” 

That’s something we can’t change by think- 
ing or worrying. I’m going to have a lunch, 
and then take a nap if possible.” 

The fact that Perry, who usually looked to 
his cousin for advice, was acting the part of con- 
soler, aroused Ernest more quickly than any- 
thing else could have done, and he immediately 
ceased repining. 

‘‘ I suppose we may as well make ourselves 


236 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


comfortable/’ he said with a faint laugh. “I’ll 
take supper with you, and then all we shall have 
to do is wait for morning.” 

More than once before that time came did the 
boys sink into a condition of almost complete 
despair, and it seemed as if the hours had never 
before been so long. 

'Now and then one or the other would fall into 
a doze ; but neither got very much sleep, and 
when the first gray light of early dawn aj)- 
peared in the sky, they were standing side by 
side amidships, watching eagerly for the schooner 
from which they had been so desirous of es- 
caping but a few hours previous. 

Gradually, yet very slowly to the impatient 
boys, the gloom gave place to light, and then 
they alternately stared at the shore and each 
other. 

They ivere within a cou^ile of miles of the 
land, but nowhere could be seen the harbor in 
which the yacht had taken refuge. The coast 
line, as far as the eye could reach, was 
unbroken, and it was impossible to decide 


ADRIFT 


237 


whether they were above or below the place 
from which the boat had drifted. Seaward 
nothing larger than a gull’s wing could be seen, 
and Perry said in a low tone, as if afraid to 
break the profound silence : 

Mazie will think we deliberately ran away 
from her.” 

I never thought I would want to see those 
black men after once giving them the slip ; now 
a glimpse of that yacht would make me very 
hap23y. But never mind,” Ernest added, with 
a sigh, let’s buckle down to the oars and get 
ashore as soon as possible.” 

Wouldn’t it be better to stay here in case a 
vessel comes this way ?” 

We can see a craft just as well from the 
shore, and there’ll be jdenty of time to put out 
after one heaves in sight. I want to get on the 
land, for while we’re drifting around here it 
seems as if we had been shipwrecked.” 

‘‘ One place is as good as another,” Perry re- 
plied, as he took uj) an oar, and both the boys 
pulled steadily until the boat’s keel grated on 


238 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


the sand at a point where the foliage grew nearly 
to the water’s edge. 

The hoys leaped ashore, pulled the how of 
the little boat up on the sand, and Perry asked, 
as he tried in vain to peer through the foliage : 

“ Now what are we to do ?” 

‘‘ Suppose we push straight into the thicket ? 
It is just possible people live near this place, 
and from them we can learn in which direction 
is the nearest port.” 

Shall we leave our provisions here ?” 

Why not ? They’ll be safe, and we shan’t 
be away long enough to get very hungry. 
Perhaps it would be well to take the bottle so 
that our supply can be replenished if we strike 
a water-course.” 

Thus lightly equipped, and after one more 
glance seaward to be certain there was no sail 
in sight, the boys started, pushing through the 
underbrush with but little difficulty until a dis- 
tance of about one hundred yards had been tra- 
versed, when the matted foliage offered decided 
obstacles to rapid progress. Several times they 


ADRIFT 


239 


were forced to make long detours, and after an 
lionr of this laborious work had passed, Perry 
said, as he halted to regain his breath : 

I don’t think it is advisable to keep on any 
longer. Already we are getting confused as to 
the location of the boat, and it would be well to 
turn about rather than exert ourselves to no pur- 
pose. If people do live on this island, we can find 
them more readily by following the coast line.” 

‘‘ Perhaps you are right,” Ernest said, cheerily, 
and he turned at once, retracing his steps as 
nearly as possible. 

During this wearisome tramp the boys had 
found neither water-course nor pool. The air 
in the thicket, where the cooling breeze from 
the ocean could not penetrate, was sultry, and 
the bottle was drained of its refreshing con- 
tents before the return march began. 

Now both regretted not having taken a small 
quantity of food, and, urged on by both hunger 
and thirst, they traveled rapidly, Ernest saying, 
as if something was needed to revive his own 


240 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘We will row slowly along the coast until 
we find a brook, for surely there must be water 
somewhere on the island/^ 

It seemed a very long while before they 
reached the shore, and, to the dismay of both, 
the boat could not be seen. It was possible to 
have a full view of the beach on either hand for 
a distance of two or three miles, and although 
the little craft had been left within their range 
of vision, nothing now broke the monotony of 
the glistening sand. 

“ We made the mistake when it became neces- 
sary to turn aside so often because of the tangled 
vines and underbrush,” Ernest said, after a care- 
ful scrutiny of the shore ; and then he added, 
pointing toward the south, “ I think the boat 
will be found in that direction.” 

“We can try it, and if nothing is seen in lialf 
an hour we shall have the poor consolation of 
knowing that you were mistaken.” 

The desire for water was so great by this time 
as to be almost painful ; but both avoided any 


ADRIFT 


241 


conversation as they tried in vain to forget their 
thirst. 

After traveling over the hot, blinding sand 
for half an hour, Perry stopj)ed suddenly, 
pointed to well-defined footprints leading from 
the water to the thicket, and cried in alarm : 

Look ! This is the very place where we 
landed. The tide has risen and carried our boat 
away !” 

Ernest examined the tell-tale marks before 
making any reply, and there could be no ques- 
tion but that Perry ^s statement was correct. 

It’s a fact,” he said at length. ‘‘ I thought 
my own carelessness had led us into the worst 
possible scrape ; but now both are to be blamed. 
With neither boat, food, nor water, there’ll be a 
chance of learning what a Pobinson Crusoe life 
means.” 

Perry’s sorrow and fear regarding the future 
were too great to admit of speech. Throwing 
himself upon the sand he gave way to grief, and 
his cousin was powerless to console him. 


16 


CHAPTEE XXIII 

A PKOPOSITION 

JT is necessary to return to the yacht at the 
moment when the hoys unwittingly left 

her. 

After Perry went on deck to join Ernest, Mrs. 
Houghton and Mazie waited in painful suspense, 
listening intently for any sound which might 
tell that the boys had failed or been successful, 
and the cry of the man on watch caused them 
to retreat to their stateroom in terror. 

To them the only explanation of the shouts 
was that Perry had been discovered while creep- 
ing across the deck, or in the act of descending 
to the boat. 

As the moments passed and the hoys were 
not led into the cabin, both the trembling prison- 
ers became convinced that the negroes had in- 
flicted some terrible punishment on them. 

“Would the crew dare to kill them?” Mazie 

242 


A PROPOSITION 


243 


asked with a sob, and it was some moments before 
Mrs. Houghton could control her voice suffi- 
ciently to say : 

‘‘ I do not think they would while the leader 
is away. Probably the poor fellows have been 
found and flung into the hold or forecastle to 
await his return.” 

Neither of the unhappy ones gave any 
thought to their own condition; the possible 
fate of the boys caused everything else to ap- 
pear insignificant by comparison. 

Not for a moment during that long night did 
sleep visit their eyelids, and about an hour after 
sunrise the noise of footsteps caused Mrs. 
Houghton to open the door in the vain hope 
of seeing her young friends. 

The early visitor was the old black man, and 
before speaking he looked into the stateroom as 
if in search of some one. Mazie was directly 
behind her mother, and as he saw her the man 
said in a tone of satisfaction : 

'' So you two, at least, did not leave us last 
night/' 


244 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


/'Did the boys succeed Mrs. Houghton 
asked, deep anxiety betraying itself in her 
voice. 

" If they are not here there can be no ques- 
tion about it, unless our boat was stolen by some 
one from the island.’’ 

A low cry of joy burst from Mazie’s lij)s, 
causing the man to add, as if the thought gave 
him great pleasure : 

" I do not think you have anything for which 
to be thankful so far as their departure is con- 
cerned. There is hardly a chance they will 
succeed in reaching any settlement, for no con- 
siderable amount of food has been carried away, 
if the steward speaks the truth. A voyage in 
an open boat, without provisions or water, is 
neither a pleasant nor a safe undertaking, and 
your friends are not to be congratulated.” 

Then the man left the cabin, as if this escape 
was of but little consequence, since the one on 
whom he relied for a solution of the cipher was 
yet on board, and the mother and daughter had 
even more cause for anxiety tliau before. 


A PEOPOSITION 


245 


The steward served breakfast, standing guard 
over the table all the while, probably for the 
purpose of preventing the prisoners from secret- 
ing any more food; but a few mouthfuls of 
coffee was as much as either Mazie or her 
mother desired. 

While they were going through the form of 
eating, the noise of many feet could be heard 
from the deck, and during the early j)ortion 
of the day every sound betokened the utmost 
activity there. 

They have probably concluded to repair the 
vessel here,” Mrs. Houghton said, and at noon, 
when Mazie crept timidly to the top of the 
comjDanionway ladder, this supposition was 
found to be correct. 

Two spars, evidently having been used in 
some other craft, had been taken from the water, 
and was reasonable to suppose the boat^s 
crew had ^owed them into the harbor during 
the night. 

Slight as was Mazie’s knowledge of such 
matters, she understood that they were rigging 


246 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


the craft anew, and using every effort to accom- 
plish the task in the quickest possible time. 

After dinner, which was partaken of but 
sparingly by Mazie and her mother, the officers 
of the schooner began dismantling the cabin, 
preparatory to putting in a new mainmast, and 
the leader advised his prisoners to go on deck. 

“ You can study the secret writing there much 
better than here while the men are at work,” he 
said. “ It is necessary to make our own repairs ; 
but care shall be taken to prevent you from be- 
ing interrupted.” 

“I can do nothing alone,” Mazie replied 
quickly. “ The boys know as much as I about 
such things, if not more, and without their aid 
any efforts of mine are useless.” 

“ That is unfortunate, if you are impatient to be 
at home,” the man replied, indifferently, as he 
motioned Mrs. Houghton toward the companion- 
way, and then turned to direct the men who were 
making the repairs. 

Upon reaching the deck, the prisoners saw 
that the schooner had been warped in toward the 


A PROPOSITION 


247 


shore until her bow was high upon the sand, and 
some of the crew were calking the timbers while 
others were laboring at the pumps. Huge coils 
of rope, several of which were yet on a raft 
alongside, told that the leader must have found 
a town or settlement where such articles could 
be purchased, and Mrs. Houghton whispered : 

There is a chance, despite what the black 
man said, that the boys have succeeded in reach- 
ing the j)lace where these things Avere procured, 
and we’ll believe that such really is the case 
until there is some proof to the contrary.” 

At this moment a cry from one of the sailors 
brought the leader on deck, and he, after gazing 
intently through a glass at some object far out at 
sea, gave certain orders in his native language 
which were obeyed by four of the sailors leap- 
ing into the boat. 

Following the direction in which the glass 
had been leveled, Mazie could see a tiny black 
speck far away on the surface of the water, and, 
believing it to be a drifting spar, she watched 
with mild curiosity as the men rowed out to sea 


248 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


for the evident purpose of bringing it to the 
yacht. 

During the next hour she occupied herself 
with looking at the workmen, but never once 
giving a thought to the cipher. 

At the end of that time those who had put 
out to sea were at the entrance to the harbor, 
and Mazie was startled by hearing her mother 
exclaim : 

‘‘ See ! they have brought back a boat ! Can 
it be the one in which the boys went away 

It is, madam,’’ a voice replied from the com- 
j)anionway, and, turning, the widow saw the 
leader of the party, who had approached unob- 
served. 

One glimpse at his mocking face was sufficient 
to prevent either of the prisoners from saying 
anything more, and in silence they watched with 
tearful eyes until the little craft was brought 
alongside. 

“ Your friends are somewhere on this island 
toward the south,” the black man said as he 
scrutinized the interior of the boat after making 


A PKOPOSITIOX 


•249 


inquiries of the sailors ; that much is evident 
from the direction of the wind. The oars are in 
place, the stolen provisions are yet on hoard, and 
the painter was found trailing in the water; 
therefore, we know they landed. She must have 
been fastened insecurely, and during their ab- 
sence drifted away.’’ 

“ Will it be possible for them to find any- 
thing to eat ?” Mrs. Houghton asked. 

“ I think not. The only settlement on the 
island is north of this harbor, and to reach it 
will require greater effort than I fancy they are 
capable of making.” 

“ Won’t you send in search of them ?” Mazie 
asked, pleadingly. Surely you cannot be so 
cruel as to remain here knowing they are starv- 
ing ?” 

‘‘ Would you do as much for a person in whom 
you had no especial interest ?” the man asked 
quickly. 

“ Certainly. Even if an enemy were suffer- 
ing, I should try to aid him.” 

You have not done so.” 


250 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


I never knowingly neglected to help any one 
in distress/' Mazie replied indignantly. 

'' From the document left by the old pirate 
you knew that not only I, but thousands of 
others, have been in deepest distress for many 
years because that which meant to us more than 
life itself was stolen. You refused to exert 
yourself even while knowing of the unspeakable 
happiness to he conferred upon those who have 
sacrificed everything in the attempt to regain 
their own. If these boys die of starvation, as 
they probably will unless some one goes in 
search of them, but few will suffer. If I fail in 
the search for that which your uncle took from us 
by force, our people can never regain their own, 
hut must remain in misery and degradation. We 
cannot waste time upon two boys when each day 
brings its full store of sorrow to many thousands." 

Never before had this man shown the slightest 
emotion, not even when his companion was 
drowned ; hut now every tone seemed to tell of 
mental anguish, and, despite their own grief, 
Mazie and her mother were deeply affected. 


A PROPOSITION 


251 


“ It would not interfere in any way with the 
search for the diamond to send. for Ernest and 
Perry, while I have worked many hours over the 
cipher and only succeeded in finding an appa- 
rently senseless riddle.’’ 

‘‘We shall see how much you are willing to 
do for your friends,” the man replied, gravely. 
“ They may suffer some, but will not he in any 
danger during the next two days. Go to work 
on the figures, and the moment you bring me the 
solution I will send both boats in search of them, 
regardless of any delay to the task here.” 

“ In case I should not succeed, will you go 
for them at the expiration of the second day ?” 
Mazie asked, eagerly. 

“ If you fail to give me the solution, not a 
boat shall leave this harbor; nor will I take 
them on board if they stand on the beach within 
sight, begging for food.” 

“ This is inhuman !” Mrs. Houghton cried. 
“ You not only allow the boys to suffer, but 
needlessly torture my daughter.” 

“ It is in her power to aid those who preferred 


252 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


to run away, and the result is no longer depend- 
ent upon any one hut her. I shall keep my 
word to the letter.’’ 

As he ceased speaking the man went into the 
cabin, and Mazie, burying her face in her 
mother’s lap, hurst into tears. 

‘‘ If I couldn’t read that cipher before, how can 
it he done now, when I know the hoys are actu- 
ally suffering for food?” she sobbed, and Mrs. 
Houghton said bitterly : 

It seems as if that diamond brought trouble 
to every one who has the slightest connection 
with it. If the figures cannot be deciphered, we 
are powerless to aid the poor fellows, for I do 
not believe it will be possible to excite any pity 
in the hearts of these men.” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


WANDERING 

^^^LTHOUGH Ernest tried to cheer Perry 
with words of hope and encouragement, 
he knew perfectly well into what desperate 
straits they had fallen. 

Without a boat, or the means of making a • 
fire, it was not probable they could succeed in 
attracting the attention of any passing craft, 
while to make their way along the coast to a 
seaport would probably involve a journey far 
beyond their power of endurance. Ernest 
could see but one possible way out of their diffi- 
culties, and it was extremely doubtful if even 
this was practicable. 

“We must try to find our way back to the 
harbor,” he said, after all other methods of 
cheering his cousin had failed. 

“ You don’t even know in which direction 

253 


254 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


to travel/’ Perry replied, petulantly. ‘‘We 
may walk until it is impossible to take another 
step, and then learn that every yard of dis- 
tance covered has carried us so much further 
away from the schooner/’ 

“ But nothing can be done by remaining here 
mourning over our trouble, and although noth- 
ing else may be accomplished, we shall probably 
find water.” 

Perry’s intense thirst had been for the mo- 
ment forgotten in his grief at learning that the 
boat had drifted away through their own care- 
lessness in not fastening her properly ; but this 
reference to water aroused him immediately. 

“ In which direction do you intend to go ?” 
he asked, rising slowly to his feet. 

“Against the wind. Our boat must have 
brought us with it, and we can’t go very far 
astray by doing as I suggest. It’s pretty tough 
to travel under a hot sun. I’ll admit ; but not 
to be compared with remaining here idle in- 
stead of trying to save our lives.” 

Perry showed his willingness to follow Er- 


WANDEEING 


255 


nesfs suggestion by beginning the march, and 
the two walked without a halt until noon, when 
both were so weary that a short rest was abso- 
lutely necessary. 

“ Wedl push in among the underbrush to find 
shelter from the sun, and a nap won’t do us any 
harm,” Ernest said, as he entered the thicket. 

‘‘ If we only had two or three quarts of water 
I’d willingly get along without food,” Perry said, 
as he threw himself under a cottonwood tree 
about thirty feet from the beach. 

‘‘ Go to sleep, and perhaps when we awaken 
the desire for a drink won’t be so great,” Ernest 
replied, setting the example by closing his eyes 
as if resolved to force the drowsy god into giv- 
ing him temporary relief. 

The slumber which the boys gained during 
this halt was frequently broken and not so satis- 
factory but that both were perfectly willing to 
resume the journey after two hours. Their 
thirst was in no degree lessened, and the hope 
that a water-course could soon be found lent a 
certain fictitious strength to their weary limbs. 


256 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


They no longer continued straight up the 
beach, but plunged into the thicket from time 
to time when the slightest indications of damp- 
ness among the foliage were seen. 

Each of these detours, however, was produc- 
tive only of increased disappointment, and as 
the hours wore on Perry said, in despair : 

It is no use to try any longer, Ernest. I 
am completely tired out, and we only prolong 
the agony by searching over this island for 
water. We may as well sit still as walk.’’ 

But it will be of no advantage to remain 
in one place,” Ernest cried, alarmed by his 
cousin’s despair. ‘‘Think of what you are 
doing, old fellow. You are acknowledging your- 
self beaten before we have been a dozen hours 
without water. Three days’ deprivation shouldn’t 
reduce you to such a condition as this.” 

“I know it,” Perry replied with a faint 
smile ; “ but in this case all the courage is gone, 
and under the circumstances a fellow’s power of 
endurance don’t amount to much. You go on, 
and I’ll stay here.” 


WANDERmG 


257 


“That would be a fine scheme, wouldn’t 
it?” rejoined Ernest with sj)irit. “If you 
really have made up your mind that it’s neces- 
sary to sit still waiting until 'starvation winds 
up the story, why I shall be forced to join 
you, however much I believe in fighting to the 
very end.” 

“ What do you want me to do ?” 

“ Keej) on until it is absolutely impossible 
to take another step.” 

“Matters are very nearly in that condition 
already ; but I’ll try it once more.” 

By the manner in which Perry rose to his 
feet Ernest could see that he was really on the 
verge of exhaustion, even though as yet neither 
their exertions nor sufferings had been exces- 
sive. 

He walked with difficulty, for the life on the 
old pirate’s island and subsequent confinement 
in the schooner had unfitted him for a lengthy 
tramp, and many times he would have stag- 
gered and fallen but for his cousin’s timely aid. 

The evidences of actual weakness, together 

17 


258 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


with his utter indifference to what fate might 
have in store for him, disheartened Ernest. If 
his companion had been brave, his own courage 
would have increased ; but, under all the circum- 
stances, it was very difficult to continue the 
struggle. 

The distance traversed from the time of the 
noonday halt until the shadows began to 
lengthen, could not have been more than three 
miles, and during all those hours no change was 
to be observed in their surroundings. The 
beach, the foliage, the view seaward was the 
same as at the point from which the apparently 
fruitless journey had been begun. It was as if 
they had not advanced a single yard. 

With the approach of night it became neces- 
sary to decide upon some place in which to 
spend the hours of darkness, although had his 
cousin been in fit condition, Ernest would have 
insisted on traveling while it was possible to dis- 
tinguish surrounding objects. 

Not much preparation was needed. It suf- 
ficed to enter the thicket where two or three 


WANDERING 


259 


large trees gave promise of enough clear space 
to permit of their lying at full length. 

Ernest tried to start a conversation, for the 
purpose of helping pass away the time, as well 
as to change the current of thought ; hut Perry 
answered only in monosyllables, and Ernest 
finally ceased his efforts. 

Fortunately weariness of body soon over- 
powered mental suffering, and the sea, murmur- 
ing its wondrous tales to the sands, lulled them 
to sleep. 

Ernest' had been wrapped in profound and 
refreshing slumber many hours when he was 
aroused by a peculiar noise which he at first 
attributed to a wild animal. 

It sounded like low moans coming at regular 
intervals, and, rising on his elbow, he tried in 
vain to peer through the gloom. After a time 
he realized that it must be a human voice, and 
with a great fear in his heart he reached out 
toward his cousin. 

Perry had lain down very near the trunk of 
the tree ; but he was no longer there, and Er- 


2G0 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


nest crept several yards in the direction from 
which the sounds came, before finding the object 
of his search. 

« Perry ! Perry he shouted, dragging the 
inert body toward him. 

‘‘ Just one more drink. Only one more,’’ the 
boy murmured, and Ernest cried yet louder : 

‘‘ Wake up, old fellow ! You must have had 
a powerful dream to cause such a change of 
beds. I wouldn’t rouse you but for the fear 
that some of these vines may be poisonous.” 

There was no reply, and Ernest shook him 
again and again ; but without effect, save to in- 
crease the moans. 

“ Can it be that he is sick ?” 

Only the most superficial examination was 
necessary to decide this question. The hot 
cheeks and hands told plainly of a malarial 
attack, probably superinduced by anxiety, over- 
exertion, and exposure to the miasma to be 
found among the rank foliage. 

Having had no experience in such matters 
Ernest believed his cousin to be fatally ill, and 


WANDEKING 


261 


this, added to the horrors of the situation, 
plunged him into the depths of despair. 

If I could only find some water !” he cried, 
raising the unconscious boy’s head to his lap. 

How the time passed until daybreak he never 
really knew. There were moments when it 
seemed as if he also was delirious, and uttered 
meaningless cries. The bright rays of the 
morning sun aroused him to a realization of 
their condition, and he set about making such 
provisions for Perry’s comfort as were pos- 
sible. 

A pile of leaves for a pillow, a screen of 
branches to prevent the bright light from falling 
directly on his face, and a quantity of dry moss 
for a bed. After this had been done Ernest left 
the sick boy alone to go in search of water. 

I must make a signal that can be seen from 
passing vessels,” he muttered as a broken sap- 
ling met his gaze, “ and this will serve for a 
flagstaff.” 

Fastening his coat to one end, he drove the 
other into the sand at a point opposite where 


262 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Perry lay, and then ran up the beach at full 
speed, regardless of the sun’s fervent rays. 

After running nearly a mile and finding no 
signs of water, he retraced his steps at the same 
rapid pace, not daring to leave the sick boy 
alone any longer. 

But he had miscalculated his own strength. 
Having been without food twenty- four hours, 
and suffering keenly from thirst, the unusual 
exertion, together with the heat, overpowered 
him. 

The struggle was ended just as he reached the 
signal pole, and falling headlong on the sand, he 
lay motionless, like one dead. 


CHAPTER XXV 


A HAPPY AWAKENING 


l^HEN Ernest regained consciousness he 
was in the stateroom of some vessel 
which was evidently at anchor, and, quite natu- 
rally, he believed his signal had been seen and 
answered by a passing craft. 

His first thought was of Perry, and clamber- 
ing from the berth with considerable difficulty, 
owing to a decided weakness of the limbs, he 
was on the ]3oint of opening the door, when a 
feeble voice asked : 

Are you all right now ?” 

A glance toward the upper berth, a low ex- 
clamation of joy, and Ernest clasped his cousin’s 
hand as he replied : 

‘^Of course I am. You’re the one who was 
sick ; but I reckon you’re better now.” 

There has been nothing the matter with me 

263 


264 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


since last night ; but both Mrs. Houghton 
and Mazie feared you were going to be very 
sick.’’ 

Mrs. Houghton and Mazie !” Ernest ex- 
claimed. ‘‘ Have you seen them ?” 

Of course. They have been with us nearly 
all the time since we came on hoard. Don’t you 
know where we are ?” 

Ernest looked in perplexity a moment, and 
then said hesitatingly, as a flash of disappoint- 
ment came over his face : 

Can it he possible that — ^ — ” 

“ I thought it wouldn’t he many seconds be- 
fore you recognized the place. Yes, we have 
come hack to the schooner, and if that black 
man hadn’t sent after us just when he did, our 
travels would have come to a speedy end.” 

^^But tell me — I guess I’ll lie down again, 
for my head feels queer,” and Ernest crept back 
into the berth. 

I don’t wonder at it, old fellow,” Perry re- 
plied, leaning over until it was possible to see 
his cousin’s pale face. It appears that I only 


A HAPPY AWAKENING 


265 


had a slight malarial attack, while you were 
completely prostrated, probably because of over- 
exertion while trying to help me. The leader 
of the black party, who seems to be quite a 
doctor in his heathenish way, told Mrs. Hough- 
ton last night that you would be all right in a 
couple of days.’’ 

What do you suppose they’ll do to us for 
running away ?” 

Nothing. The fact that we did our full 
share of Avork Avhen the schooner was so nearly 
wrecked, saved us this time, or, at least, that’s 
Avhat he told Mazie. Besides, he didn’t care for 
us providing we were Avhere it wasn’t possible 
to give information to Cajitain Jake concerning 
his whereabouts. It’s mighty fortunate, though, 
that the secret writing was read before yesterday 
noon.” 

Has the cipher been read ?” and Ernest’s 
excitement dispelled the weakness sufficiently to 
admit of his rising to a sitting posture. 

Look here, Ernest, you’ll be sick again if 
you jump around like this,” PeiTy cried, in 


266 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


alarm. "'I had no business to say anything 
about it yet awhile/’ 

The sick boy was forced to lie down again 
very quickly, owing to a sudden attack of dizzi- 
ness ; but instantly that had passed away he 
asked, impatiently : 

Why don’t you tell me about the cipher ?” 

Because I know nothing more. Mazie said 
she would tell us the whole story when we were 
strono;er.” 

At this point the conversation was interru^ited 
by the entrance of the steward, who brought a 
bowl of broth for Perry; but, on seeing that 
Ernest had recovered consciousness, he left the 
room without making any attempt to feed the 
invalids. 

He has gone to tell Mrs. Houghton that you 
are all right, and I’ll probably get a scolding for 
having said anything about the cijiher.” 

In this, however. Perry was mistaken. Mazie 
and her mother were so delighted because of 
Ernest’s rapid recovery that there was no 
thought of finding fault with any one. 




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NOW TELL US ABOUT THE CIPHER, MAZIE,” SAID ERNEST, EAGERLY 

(See Page 267) 



A HAPPY AWAKENING 


2G7 


A generous supply of the brotli was given to 
both })oys before either was allowed to talk, and 
then Mrs. Houghton summoned the old man for 
further directions regarding the invalids’ treat- 
ment. 

They need nothing now but rest and a gen- 
erous diet,” he said, after counting Ernest’s 
pulse. Let them come on deck as soon as they 
feel able to walk, and the effects of their fool- 
hardy journey will soon pass away.” 

Having given this opinion, the old man left 
the room, and Ernest said, eagerly : 

Now tell us about the cipher, Mazie. He 
says we are in good condition, and I shan’t be 
able to rest until it has been explained.” 

“There can be no harm in telling the story,” 
Mrs. Houghton replied to Mazie’s inquiring 
look, and the latter began by repeating what the 
leader of the black men had insisted upon before 
he would agree to search for the boys. 

“ I didn’t believe it was possible for me to dis- 
cover the secret, even under the most favorable 
circumstances,” she continued, “ and the case 
seemed utterly hopeless while we were in such 


268 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


deep distress concerning you. Of course I was 
just foolish enough to cry, and during an hour 
did nothing else. In the meanwhile mother had 
gone to work on the figures, and it made me 
ashamed to see her puzzling over what she knew 
nothing about, while I remained idle.” 

‘‘ It strikes me that a person would need to 
understand very much concerning secret writing 
before it would be possible to read the old pirate’s 
riddle by any known system,” Ernest said with 
a laugh. 

“ My success was really the result of an acci- 
dent,” Mazie continued. ‘‘ I began by trying to 
arrange a square of letters sufiiciently large to 
correspond with the figures in the cipher ; but 
even if that had been the proper method I 
should most likely have failed because the 
thought that you might be starving would keep 
coming into my mind. Then I grew discouraged 
again, and tried once more to persuade the old 
man into sending a boat along the shore. He 
refused positively and finally Avould not even 
listen to me. 

“ It was evening when I took up the perplex- 


A HAPPY AWAKENING 


269 


ing figures again, resolved to study them until 
some result was gained. That old book which 
had been taken from Captain Dorr’s house lay 
on the table, and its title, ‘ Phisicke Against 
Famine,’ recalled your probable condition so 
vividly that I was about to j)ut it out of sight 
when the thought occurred that if any one 
needed a ji^iysic against famine it was you. 
From that moment everything seemed clear. 
The last sentence of the message which we dis- 
covered by means of the ancient volume says, as 
you remember, ‘ Take away from what has been 
set down, the sum of the name, and the re- 
mainder shall stand revealed.’ ” 

But what is the sum of the name ?” Perry 
asked, imioatiently, 

“ Something which can be determined very 
easily,” Mazie readied, laughingly. By using 
the small square I first made, witli the name, or 
title, of the book as a key, it was found, and 
after subtracting those figures from Svhat had 
been set down,’ I had as a result the simplest 
form of a checker-board cqDher. In less than 


270 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


half an hour from the time the idea first occurred 
to me that the ancient volume still had some 
connection with the cryptogram, it was solved, 
and before midnight a boat left the harbor in 
search of you.’^ 

I don’t understand any better now than I 
did before,” Ernest interrupted. 

‘‘ You will see how simple it is when I pro- 
duce the problem worked out on jDaper,” Mazie 
replied, determined to relate the events in such 
sequence as she thought proper. The old man 
went with the sailors as he had j^i’omised, and 
carried those articles which might be necessary 
for your comfort. They allowed the boat to 
drift with the wind and current during the 
night, watching all the while for a camp fire, and 
after sunrise rowed along the coast several hours 
until a pole with a coat on it was seen at the 
edge of the beach.” 

I set it up before making the last attempt to 
find water,” Ernest explained. 

The old man thought you became insensible 
immediately after placing it in position, for you 


A HAPPY AWAKENING 


271 


were lying on the sand close beside it, while 
Perry was yet in the thicket. When the boat 
returned, mother and I were afraid both of you 
were dangerously ill ; but the tea, which the 
steward made from some disagreeable-looking 
herbs, had a most wonderful effect. Perry re- 
covered consciousness in less than an hour, while 
your stupor was changed into what seemed like 
profound, restful slumber.’’ 

‘‘How long have we been here?” Ernest 
asked. 

“ Since four o’clock yesterday afternoon.” 

“ Then we were away from the schooner only 
two days?” 

“ Just about forty-four hours.” 

“ Well,” Perry said, emphatically, “ if we 
haven’t got backbone enough to last longer than 
that, no matter how many hardships were to be 
endured, we ought to cultivate our muscle.” 

“Strength isn’t all that is necessary under 
such circumstances. With proper food, and no 
anxiety of mind, you could probably have held 
out very much longer,” Mrs. Houghton replied. 


272 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


gravely. ‘‘Now you are both looking weary, 
and it is time you had some sleep. Mazie and I 
will go into the cabin. 

“ She hasn’t explained the ci]3her yet,” Ernest 
said, quickly. “We want to hear about this be- 
fore taking another nap.” 

“ It would require too much time, and you 
need more rest,” was the widow’s very decided 
reply. Then, before the boys could make any 
protest, both she and Mazie had left the room. 

Mrs. Houghton and her daughter were in such 
a frame of mind when they went on deck as ad- 
mitted of their enjoying the scene before them. 
The luxuriant foliage growing to the very edge 
of the white sand, the placid waters of deepest 
blue, the song of birds, and even the noise made 
by the workmen, were all pleasing because of the 
old man’s positive assurance that all the pris- 
oners should be released immediately after the 
schooner arrived at Captain Winny’s Island. 

Already was the little craft apparently in a 
seaworthy condition. The spars were in jiosition, 
although not quite as sliapely as those wliicli 
had been carried away ; tlie damage to the hull 


A HAPPY AWAKENING 


273 


liad been repaired, and the rigging was nearly 
stretched. 

Now that the boys have so far recovered, 
and there is no question of our being considered 
prisoners, I shan’t feel badly if we stay here a 
week longer,” Mazie said, after she and her 
mother had gazed in silence on the scene before 
them several moments. 

At the same time I hope you will not object 
to leaving to-morrow morning,” a voice behind 
her said, and, turning, she saw the old man, who 
had approached silently, as if to overhear their 
conversation. 

Are you intending to sail so soon ?” Mrs. 
Houghton asked, in surprise. 

If nothing happens, we shall set sail shortly 
after sunrise. By that time the repairs will be 
so far advanced that the remainder can easily be 
attended to while we are at sea.” Then he 
added, in a lower tone, and when the full moon 
once more appears in the evening sky, my people 
shall have at their shrine that talisman which will 
enable them to throw off the yoke borne so long.” 

18 


CHAPTER XXVI 


THE SOLUTION 


^^^LTHOUGH Mazie had signified her will- 
ingness to remain on the schooner a Aveek 
longer, the information that they were to set sail 
so soon was in the highest degree gratifying, and 
with the liveliest impatience she waited until the 
joyful tidings could be imparted to the boys. 

Not until an hour after dinner had been served 
was any sound heard from the stateroom, and 
then a knocking on the Avail told that the long 
nap Avas finished. 

‘‘We are to start for home in the morning !” 
she cried as, with her mother, she entered the 
room. 

“ That’s good news,” Ernest replied^ but Avith- 
out exhibiting as much pleasure as Mazie thought 
the occasion demanded. 

“ Why, I supposed you would be perfectly 

274 


THE SOLUTION 


275 


wild with joy/’ she said, in a tone of disap- 
pointment. 

‘‘ I fancy we shall be in that condition pres- 
ently,” Ernest replied, laughingly; ‘‘but just 
now we are devoured with curiosity because of 
the cipher. Give ns the whole story of how you 
succeeded in reading that puzzling combination 
of figures, and then we will make a very intense 
exhibition of joy.” 

Mazie left the room, returning a moment later 
with several large sheets of paper which she 
spread on the coverlet of Ernest’s bed, saying 
meanwhile to Perry : 

“ You can look over our heads and see all 
that is going on, for I don’t feel like making the 
explanation twice.” 

From his point of vantage Perry could 
readily perceive the figures, and Mazie began by 
saying : 

“ The square of letters which I made the other 
day contains the secret both of the message and 
the key, the sum of the latter being subtracted 
from the original figures. Take the checker- 


276 


THE BllAGANZA DIAMOND 


board plan of arranging the letters, and set 
down the key words, which are ‘ Phisicke 
Against Famine.’ Now find the first letter’s 
place on the board — P. It is in the fifth column, 
and the third row, therefore represented by 53. 
Do the same by each letter in turn, repeating the 
three words until you have characters sufiicient 
to correspond with the cipher, and the result will 
be this.” 

Here Mazie pointed to the paper on which was 
the conclusion of her work, the following being 
an exact copy of the same. 

It must be observed that the original cipher is 
first written, the sum of the key placed below it, 
and each number subtracted from the other as 
shown below : 


97 

64 

84 

68 

84 

72 

95 

95 

54 

75 

22 

76 

67 

45 

63 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

32 

42 

34 

42 

41 

43 

44 

43 

53 

11 

34 

34 

11 

69 

23 

66 

65 

85 

87 

75 

87 

43 

75 

75 

95 

55 

103 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

25 

11 

45 

32 

43 

54 

24 

34 

11 

33 

41 

53 

24 

51 

85 

62 

46 

26 

93 

67 

85 

75 

36 

62 

67 

85 

45 

95 

61 

11 

22 

IL 

43 

33 

34 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

34 

61 

24 

15 

51 

34 

51 

31 

24 

51 

44 

43 

12 

44 


THE SOLUTION 


277 


85 

83 

63 

58 

53 

53 

63 

84 

06 


36 

74 

76 

85 

53 

82 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

32 

51 

21 

24 

11 

22 

11 

83 

55 

11 

25 

32 

43 

51 ’ 

59 

63 

35 

54 

53 

66 

75 

104 

43 

83 

78 

74 

73 

86 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

61 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

15 

51 

24 

31 

11 

oo 

OO 

24 

51 

11 

41 

44 

32 

42 

34 

76 

53 

35 

24 

76 

84 

65 

98 

36 

62 

76 

66 

75 

106 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

25 

42 

13 

13 

34 

51 

31 

54 

24 

51 

53 

24 

42 

55 

104 

66 

86 

45 

75 

72 

94 

84 

52 

65 

54 

66 

76 

46 ^ 

53 

82 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

51 

34 

44 

11 

33 

41 

42 

33 

41 

43 

43 

24 

43 

12 

76 

66 

55 

35 

53 

64 

93 

86 

54 

76 

77 

96 

75 

84 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

83 

51 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

32 

54 

44 

12 

11 

31 

42 

33 

22 

34 

43 

54 

44 

32 

62 

55 

75 

35 

93 

64 

76 

78 

63 

24 

68 

75 

76 

94 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

12 

11 

• 23 

42 

33 

51 

11 

44 

53 

24 

51 

31 

42 

34 

51 

13 

45 

33 

43 

43 

86 

83 

77 

78 

66 

82 

75 

102 

64 

65 

53 

75 

77 

77 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

33 

51 

35 

44 

24 

51 

23 

51 

53 

43 

42 

33 

44 

43 

56 

46 

43 

34 

83 

76 

76 

84 

43 

76 

78 

63 

76 

85 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

12 

34 

32 

11 

41 

43 

25 

31 

11 

34 

44 

21 

45 

33 


278 


THE BRAOANZA DIAMOND 


102 

22 

46 

62 

76 

77 

87 

86 

45 

62 

35 

84 

57 

85 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

61 

11 

24 

51 

34 

44 

53 

42 

33 

51 

12 

42 

24 

34 

97 

53 

93 

45 

66 

73 

85 

73 

55 

54 

62 

75 

64 

85 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

21 

51 

11 

24 

42 

33 

22 

44 

32 

51 

33 

31 

51 

85 

66 

62 

74 

53 

67 

95 

97 

57 

93 

67 

86 

76 

64 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

53 

32 

42 

34 

42 

31 

52 

41 

54 

51 

51 

11 

34 

44 

44 

25 

51 

33 

44 

45 

12 

102 

62 

66 

45 

85 

87 

78 

76 

55 

44 

74 

74 

87 

84 

51 

11 

22 

11 

42 

33 

34 

44 

12 

11 

23 

42 

33 

51 

51 

51 

44 

34 

43 

54 

44 

32 

43 

33 

51 

32 

54 

33 


94 56 93 75 
53 32 42 34 
41 24 51 41 

‘‘ Now/’ Mazie continued, with an air of 
triumph, we have found the sum of the name, 
and what remains from that which was first set 
down, consequently the whole is reduced to the 
simplest possible cipher. It is only necessary to 
find the equivalent for these last figures, and, 
using the checker-board key in the same manner 
as before. Captain Dorr’s secret is revealed 
to those whom he spent the latter portion of his 


THE SOLUTION 


279 


life trying to avoid. Here are the words, punc- 
tuated as I thought might be proper.” 

Mazie handed the boys a smaller piece of pa- 
pier, and they read the following : 

“ Thi8 I do to pass away hours, and preserve 
secret of the Braganza, Whoever can read this 
will secure prize. Stand in door of hut facing 
south at precisely noon. Extreme point of shadow 
cast by nearest pine, first hearing. Thence due 
east twenty feet, south one hundred, 

Ernest read these lines several times, and then 
said : 

‘Ht seems to me the directions should have 
been plainer after all the trouble Captain Dorr 
took to conceal them. What did the black man 
say about it ?” 

He was delighted, and appeared to be per- 
fectly satisfied.” 

Even if he isnh, this settles our portion of 
the business, doesn’t it ?” Perry asked. “ As I 
understand it, we were to be allowed to do as we 
pleased after the cipher had been read.” 

He hasn’t the slightest idea of keeping us on 


280 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


board any longer than we wish to stay/^ Mazie 
replied, quickly. Of course, we don't care to 
go ashore until the schooner is somewhere near 
our homes." 

Certainly not," and Perry added, with a 
grimace, ‘‘ I was only thinking that if we had re- 
mained quietly on board a few hours longer, 
considerable suffering and anxiety might have 
been omitted." 

Perhaps in that case I wouldn’t have had 
sufficient incentive to force me to work out the 
cipher, as was the case when I believed you boys 
were starving. There is no reason, however, 
why we should discuss the matter now that it is 
hajipily settled. I’m going on deck again, and I 
think it would be well for you boys to follow me 
unless exercise seems disagreeable." 

We’ll be there in a minute," Ernest replied, 
and Mazie and her mother left the room, the 
boys joining them on deck a little later. 

The knowledge that they were no longer pris- 
oners, but free to depart whenever it should so 
please them, had such a beneficial effect on the 


THE SOLUTION 


281 


invalids that, before they had been in the open 
air two hours, it would have required quite a 
critical examination to discover any traces of the 
hardships so lately undergone. 

Both took the keenest interest in all that was 
being done by the sailors, and while they specu- 
lated as to whether the schooner would be in a 
seaworthy condition by morning, Mrs. Houghton 
whispered to Mazie : 

Watch the man who fills the position of first 
or second mate, and see if I am mistaken in 
thinking he acts strangely.’’ 

Mazie did as she was bidden, and after a few 
moments was forced to admit that his behavior 
seemed queer, to say the least. He gazed at the 
white party as if suspicious that they were plot- 
ting mischief, and from time to time consulted 
with his brother officers, looking toward the boys 
in such a manner as to convince Mrs. Hough- 
ton that they were the subject of the conversa- 
tion. • 

It is foolish to stand here searching for signs 
of trouble,” Mazie said, at length. They are 


282 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


probably talking about the boys’ attempt to run 
away and nothing more.” 

At this moment Ernest, who had been stand- 
ing a few paces in advance of Perry, stepped to- 
ward Mazie as he whispered : 

I don’t think those fellows have any too 
much love for Perry and me, judging -from the 
manner in which they look at us. I’ll take 
mighty good care to keep out of their way during 
the remainder of the time we stay on the craft.” 

That the peculiar actions of the officers had 
been observed by Ernest, caused Mazie consider- 
able disquietude, since it proved that there could 
have been no mistake on her part, and she re- 
solved to have a conversation with the old man 
regarding this show of enmity at the earliest op- 
portunity. 

While the others enjoyed the scene from the 
deck of the schooner she went fore and aft in 
search of the leader ; but h,e could not be found. 

‘‘ Perhaps it is just as well,”^he said to her- 
self, “ I shall have plenty of time to talk with 
him before we reach Roanoke.” 


THE SOLUTION 


283 


Then joining the others she soon forgot this 
slight cause for uneasiness while listening to the 
discussion between the boys as to the possibility 
of finding the Braganza. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


A COWARDLY PLOT 

little party, who were now so happy 
in the belief that they would soon be at 
home, did not care to leave the deck until the 
steward announced that supper was ready, and 
by that time the work of refitting the schooner 
was so far advanced that but little more remained 
to be done. 

Neither of the two men who had followed Cap- 
tain Dorr for so many years were on board, un- 
less, indeed, they were hiding in their staterooms, 
and as this was by no means probable, the hoys 
concluded they had gone to the port from which 
the spars were brought. 

‘‘We shall see them in the morning,” Perry 
said, as he seated himself at the table. “ The 
schooner can be got under way at any time, and it 
isn’t likely they will lose many hours, because of 
284 


A COWARDLY PLOT 


285 


the possibility that Captain Jake might acciden- 
tally find the diamonds/’ 

The others were of the same opinion, and Mrs. 
Houghton proposed that they retire early in order 
to be on deck next morning when the schooner 
left the harbor. 

She and Mazie went into their stateroom al- 
most immediately after supper, and Perry fol- 
lowed their example ; but Ernest insisted that 
he could not sleep because of the very long nap 
during the forenoon. 

I’ll go on deck a little while, and will take 
good care not to disturb you when I come back,” 
he said. 

Perry made no protest, for he was so weary 
that nothing in the way of pleasure would 
have tempted him from the cabin, and Ernest 
went softly up the companion way ladder, but 
without intending to move in a stealthy man- 
ner, 

AYhen he had nearly reached the top, he 
heard the sound of voices in private conversa- 
tion. It was impossible not to distinguish a few 


286 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


words, and these were well calculated to arouse 
his curiosity. 

‘‘We had better speak in English,’’ the mate 
was saying to his brother officer, “ for if the men 
should overhear they might be fools enough to 
inform those whom we must obey.” 

“ Every member of the crew feels exactly as 
Ave do about these people, and would be only too 
well pleased to aid in our plan,” the second man 
replied. 

“ They are surely talking about us,” Ernest 
said to himself as he crouched lower within the 
shadow of the companionway. “ It won’t do 
very much harm if I listen to a little more of 
this ^conversation.” 

“ It will be safer if we do the work ourselves, 
and much more certain,” the first officer said. 
“Of course there will be a big row when the 
boys are missed, and if they do not confide in 
the men they cannot betray us. The master 
must be made to think that they have run 
away.” 

“ When is it to be done ?” 


A COWARDLY PLOT 


287 


As soon as they are asleep — say in two or 
three hours.” 

“The slightest outcry from them could be 
heard by the women, and the master would have 
little difficulty in discovering who had done the 
work. I tremble when I think of his wrath, for 
it is said he spares no one who dares to disobey.” 

“ If you grow afraid so soon leave the work to 
me, and, unaided, I will remove these stumbling 
blocks from the path of our gods.” 

“ I have no intention of refusing to do my full 
share, for I am convinced that all our misfor- 
tunes, since sighting the island, are due to them. 
Once they have been removed we shall be able 
to find, without difficulty, the mystic .stone which 
is to make of our people a great nation. Tell 
me what I am to do ?” 

“ It is very simple,” the first speaker replied 
in a matter-of-fact tone, as if talking of the most 
honorable transaction. “ In two hours, unless 
the master returns before then, we will steal into 
their room. By moving quickly and cautiously 
we can prevent any outcry. To strangle and 


288 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


throw them overboard sliould not be a difficult 
task. Go forward now to prevent suspicion, and 
come aft again in two hours.’’ 

It can well be imagined that listening to the 
arrangements for his own murder did not tend to 
make Ernest feel comfortable or composed ; he 
was trembling as with an ague fit, but not from 
fear. As yet he did not realize his utter help- 
lessness; but understood that detection now 
meant instant death, and all his energies were 
centered on the effort to reach the stateroom 
without making a noise. 

Fortunately both the men walked forward a 
short distance ; had either attempted to enter the 
cabin Ernest must have been discovered before 
reaching the bottom of the ladder. 

Now he had a moment in which to compose 
himself. Wiping the perspiration from his face, 
he stole softly across the floor, entering the state- 
room so quietly that Perry was not aware of his 
presence until he asked in a whisper : 

Are you awake ?” 

‘‘ I’ve hardly had time to get into bed yet,” 


A COWARDLY PLOT 


289 


was the reply in an ordinary tone of voice. 
‘‘ What brought you back so soon ?’^ 

“ Don’t speak above a whisper,” Ernest said, 
trembling with excitement. 

What’s the matter now ? Has the old man 
come back ?” And Perry leaped out of bed 
throughly alarmed by his cousin’s extreme agi- 
tation. 

The two mates believe we are responsible for 
all their bad luck in this hunt for the dia- 
monds, and have laid plans to kill us in a few 
hours !” 

It V as several moments before Perry could ask 
a question, and while he remained in a perfect 
stujDor of fear, Ernest repeated all he had over- 
heard. 

What can we do? We musn’t stay here!” 
Perry cried in a tone so loud that Ernest shook 
him roughly to prevent any further noise. 

‘^Unless you are more careful we will have 
them upon us immediately,” he whispered sternly. 

Help me to form some plan for keeping out of 
their way till the leader comes back ; it is evi- 
19 


290 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


dent they don’t dare to injure us while he is 
here.” 

Perry was not in a proper frame of mind to be 
of much assistance ; the fact of their helpless- 
ness unnerved him completely, and, clasping his 
cousin’s hand as if for protection, he awaited 
some suggestion from him. 

Several moments elapsed before Ernest spoke, 
and then it was to say, in a hesitating way, as if 
uncertain whether such a course would be wise : 

Let us waken Mrs. Houghton ; she may be 
able to suggest something, and, besides, it is ne- 
cessary she should know what is going on.” 

“ Yes, yes,” Perry replied, nervously ; she 
will know what it is best to do.” 

Ernest crept softly to Mrs. Houghton’s door, 
and that she was not asleep could be told from 
the promptness with which his faint knock was 
answered. 

“ Will you let us come in ?” he asked, and 
understanding from his manner of speaking that 
there were serious reasons for such a request, she 
opened the door at once. 


A COWARDLY PLOT 


291 


The story of the cowardly plot was quickly 
told, and the widow at once proved herself to he 
a valuable ally. 

According to your account the men do not 
intend to make any move for an hour or more,’^ 
she said, after a short pause. You will have 
tirne to search the cabin for something which will 
serve as a weapon, and in the meantime Mazie 
and I will see what can be done toward barricad- 
ing the room. It is only a question of keeping 
the men at bay until their master returns, which 
must be very soon if he intends to set sail at 
sunrise.” 

Ernest obeyed these instructions without delay; 
but a search of the cabin failed to reveal any- 
thing which would be of service as a means of 
defense. 

In ten minutes he and Perry entered the room 
again, to find Mazie and her mother fully dressed, 
and the night lamp burning. 

‘‘ I hardly expected you would find a weapon,” 
she said when Ernest reported his failure. By 
taking the bottom boards from the berth we can 


292 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


barricade the door in such a manner as to make 
an entrance impossible, excej^t at the expense of 
considerable noise.” 

Mazie had already removed the bedding, and 
was now Avorking in the coolest possible manner 
to carry out her mother^s instructions. This was 
sufficient to arouse Perry’s waning courage, and 
in a few minutes all were proceeding with the 
defense as if accustomed to such episodes. 

By bracing the boards from the side of the 
berth the door was made reasonably firm ; but 
before the work could be completed Mazie raised 
her hand to enjoin silence. 

The sound of stealthy footsteps could be heard 
from the cabin, and there was no question but 
that the Avould-be murderers had come to do 
their work. 

Ernest with his ear to the crack of the door, 
heard the men enter his room, come out again, 
and then go on deck. 

It won’t take long for them to learn where 
we are,” he whispered to Perry, Avhose face had 
grown very pale. 


A COWARDLY PLOT 


293 


Tlie short interval of time which elapsed be- 
fore the sound of returning footsteps could be 
heard again, was utilized by the little party in 
strengthening the props, and the door was reason- 
ably secure when, by gestures, Ernest reported 
that the men were once more in the cabin. 

The critical moment was not long delayed. 
The prisoners could hear the knob of the door 
turned softly, and as it did not yield to the pres- 
sure, a brief consultation was held and then a 
low voice from the outside said imperatively : 

“ Unlock this door 

No reply was made to the demand, and it was 
repeated a moment later. 

Force it open !’’ one of the men finally said. 
‘‘We have got so far now that it’s as dangerous to 
retreat as to continue. Unless the mouths of all 
are closed the master will hear of what we have 
tried to do. By cutting the boat adrift it can be 
made to appear that they have run away.” 

This argument evidently convinced the timid 
one, for he replied hastily : 

“ Wait here while I get an axe.” 


294 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


Then was heard the sound of footsteps as me 
would-be assassin left the cabin, and all hope of 
making a successful resistance fled from the 
hearts of the prisoners. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 

AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL 


soon as the mate left the cabin the sound 
of hasty footsteps could be heard on deck 
as if something unusual had excited the men, 
and for one brief moment those in the stateroom 
fancied the master of the black men had re- 
turned. 

That such was not the case, however, could be 
told a few seconds later, when he who had been 
left below shouted angrily : 

‘‘ What is the matter up there ? Why have 
the men left the forecastle T’ 

Instead of rejDlying from the deck, the mate 
came below, and his comrade asked : 

What have you done to raise such a row 
among the crew 

It was necessary to make some explanation, 
for they became suspicious when I went into the 
carpenter's room.” 


295 


296 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


What did you tell them ?” 

“ The truth, of course. Do you suppose they 
won’t hear the sound of the axe ?” 

To this the officer replied angrily but in his 
native tongue. It was evident that hot words 
passed between the two men, and Ernest was 
hoping a regular fight would ensue, when the 
noise of many footsteps could be heard on the 
companionway ladder. 

As nearly as the boys were able to judge, the 
entire crew came into the cabin. The quarrel 
became quite violent, as if participated in by all 
hands, and during the next ten minutes a per- 
fect babel of cries filled the apartment. 

It was impossible for those in the stateroom to 
decide whether a portion of the crew were op- 
posed to violence, or if simply the method of 
death was being decided upon. 

If they come to blows the matter may not 
be settled until the old man gets back;” Ernest 
said, after trying in vain to gain from the med- 
ley of sounds some idea as to the reason for the 
uproar. 


AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL 


297 


Whatever may have caused this diversion, it 
was not long continued. Probably hardly more 
than a quarter of an hour had elapsed from the 
time the differences of opinion first arose, before 
the tumult died away, and once more was a 
demand made for the door to be opened. 

They mean business now,’’ Ernest said 
grimly, and then he added to those outside: 

We are prepared to defend ourselves, and shall 
not hesitate to inflict every possible injury if 
you attempt to force an entrance.” 

The mate evidently translated these words for 
the benefit of his companions, and instantly 
loud, angry shouts were heard, followed by a 
vigorous attack upon the door. 

Now we must take what comes,” Ernest 
said as, with the water-pitcher as a weapon, he 
stood ready to meet the first assault. 

Perry was close by his side, while Mrs. 
Houghton and Mazie were near the porthole 
gazing out into the gloom, hoping against hope 
that the master of the schooner might arrive 
before it was too late. 


298 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


The attack on the door was made with sav- 
age fury, and when half a dozen blows had 
been delivered, Perry said : 

‘‘ They know by this time that we have no 
weapons, and intend to make quick work of 
us/' 

The two upper panels were already shat- 
tered, and the crowd of black men, which nearly 
filled the cabin, could be seen. 

Again the axe descended, the door gave way, 
and Ernest raised the pitcher to strike at least 
one blow before being overpowered, when in 
the merest fraction of time the tumult was 
hushed. The men who a moment previous had 
been clamoring for blood, stood as if suddenly 
turned to stone. 

Ernest, who had been watching the foremost 
man, now looked toward the companion way, and 
then cried joyously : 

We're saved ! We're saved ! Their master 
has come !" 

Pressing near the aperture, the remainder of 
the little party could see, standing near the lad- 


AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL 


299 


der, the one man above all others who could aid 
them. He was making no threatening move- 
ment; but had his eyes fixed upon the group 
as if only a glance was necessary to subdue. 

During fully five minutes he stood there 
motionless and silent, and then one by one the 
men crept toward the companionway, bent only 
on escaping from that withering gaze. 

The two mates were the last to move, and be- 
fore they could reach the ladder the old man 
said, sternly : 

Stop ! I wish to know the meaning of your 
attack upon these people whom I have promised 
shall be safely landed in their native country, 
and the explanation must he made here, in 
English, that they may understand all you say.’’ 

The man whom Ernest had heard propose the 
murder attempted to speak in his native tongue ; 
but was immediately interrupted by the leader, 
who asked, angrily : 

Did you hear me say that I wished those 
wEo have aided us so materially in our search 
for the talisman to hear all that was said ?” 


300 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


I would prefer to speak to the master j)ri- 
vately ; but his commands are not to be dis- 
obeyed.’’ 

It might have been well had you realized 
that before,” was the sarcastic reply. 

‘‘ What we have attempted to do,” the man 
said, with a show of suhmissiveness, “was to 
aid in the task which is so dear to us all. Un- 
aided did the master and his friends discover 
the pirate’s hiding-place, and, though many 
years were spent in the search, no harm befell 
either of the sacred three until these j^eople were 
met. Then the great Chola was . drowned, and 
his ashes scattered to the winds because his mis- 
sion had not been accomplished. After that our 
enemies came in pursuit, and nothing save your 
skill prevented our capture ; then the elements 
conspired against us, and the search was still 
further delayed. The gods are angry because 
these white people are on the sacred vessel, and 
to propitiate them did I resolve to rid her of 
their hateful presence. The master himself 
must feel that we shall never find the nlystical 


AlSr OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL 


301 


stone while they are allowed to pollute our 
shrine.” 

I have listened to the babbling of a child,” 
the old man said, when the mate ceased speak- 
ing. If the gods wished this thing done, 
would you alone know of such fact ? Am I 
their mouthpiece, or do they S23eak through 
those who should obey ? Go into the forecastle, 
fools, and there remain until you are sum- 
moned.” 

The two officers ascended the ladder in silence, 
and when they reached the deck the old man 
said, as he approached the shattered door : 

It is not necessary for me to say I regret 
this thing has been done ; but it shall not be 
repeated, and you need have no fear concerning 
the future. The steward shall make ready 
other rooms, and from this time until we reach 
your own country it will be my care to see that 
nothing more, of an alarming or a disagreeable 
nature, can occur.” 

Without waiting for a reply he went on deck. 


302 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


and the little party were left alone to discuss 
the more than unpleasant episode. 

“ If those fellows have got the idea that we 
must be killed before the diamonds can be 
found, the old man will have his hands full try- 
ing to keep them at a proper distance,’’ Ernest 
said, gloomily. ‘‘It won’t do to go on deck 
very often, and who knows but that the steward 
will consider it his duty to put poison in our 
food?” 

“ Don’t try to imagine disagreeable things,” 
Mazie said, with a shudder. “ It caii’t take very 
long to reach the coast, and there is no question 
but that the leader and his friends will protect 
us.” 

“ Mazie is right,” Mrs. Houghton added. “ It 
will do no good to speculate upon what may 
happen; but we must exercise every caution 
during the remainder of our stay on board. We 
need not leave the cabin, save, perhaps, to stand 
on the companionway ladder, and, after what 
has been seen of the power Avhich the leader has 


AN OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL 


303 


over liis men, I do not think we have reason to 
fear another attack.’’ 

The entrance of the steward put an end to 
this very unpleasant conversation. He brought 
a light lunch, as if it was necessary they should 
have something with which to occupy their at- 
tention while the rooms were being put in order ; 
and, while the mournful party were eating, the 
sound of a man speaking in loud, angry tones, 
could he heard from the deck. 

“ The leader is reading the crew a lecture on 
our account, I fancy,” Mazie said, and, as the 
speaker continued several moments, the others 
were of the same opinion. 

It was quite late in the evening when Mrs. 
Houghton again proposed that they should re- 
tire, and it is safe to say that every member 
of the party looked carefully to the door fas- 
tenings before lying down. 

The involuntary passengers did not sleep very 
soundly on this night ; but yet the schooner was 
got under way before they were aware of the 
fact, and when, shortly after sunrise, Ernest 


304 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


attempted to get out of bed, lie found walking 
very difficult. 

The old man himself summoned them to 
breakfast, and after they were seated at the 
table, he said, courteously : 

“ We have started, as you perceive, and with 
wind enough to carry us across at good speed. I 
think there is no doubt but that this voyage will 
end, so far as you are concerned, in two, or, at 
the most, three days.’^ 

‘‘ Is it safe for us to leave the cabin ?” Mrs. 
Houghton asked. 

‘‘ If you mean as regards the crew, there is 
not the slightest possibility of danger. I am 
j)Ositive they will never again offend.’’ 

After waiting a few moments longer, as if to 
assure himself that they would be properly at- 
tended to, the old man went on deck again and 
at the first oj)portunity, when the party were 
alone, Ernest said : 

‘‘ He may think he knows exactly how the 
crew feel about us ; but it’s a mistake. AVhen 
the steward comes in, watch him closely, and you 


AN OPPOETUNE AKKIVAL 


305 


can see ‘ miscliief ’ written on every feature of liis 
black face.’’ 

During the remainder of the meal all observed 
the attendant closely, and when the table had 
been cleared Mazie gave her opinion of the situ- 
ation by saying : 

‘‘ I believe Ernest is correct, and that not only 
the steward, but most probably the crew, would 
throw us overboard at the first opportunity. 
Their idea that the diamond will never be found 
if we are permitted to remain on what is called 
the ‘ sacred ’ vessel, would be sufficient induce- 
ment for them to disobey the leader’s com- 
mands.” 

You may be right,” Mrs. Houghton added, 
as a troubled look came over her face ; ‘‘ and to 
avoid any possible danger we will remain here, 
or in the rooms, until the time comes to go on 
shore.” 


20 


CHAPTEE XXIX 


THE PIRATE S ISLAND 


"l^l^HETHEE the precautions decided upon 
by the involuntary passengers were abso- 
lutely necesssary, it was impossible to say. 
With the exception of the steward, none of the 
crew came below, and as neither of the little 
party went on deck during the next two days, 
there was no opportunity for any show of hatred. 

During this time the old man took especial 
pains to visit them at least once every two or 
three hours to assure himself that they wanted 
for nothing, and on each of these occasions he 
reported such progress as the vessel had made. 

It was about nine o’clock on the morning of 
the third day after leaving the harbor which had 
served as dock, when the leader came below, he 
having been on deck since a very early hour, 
and made a most pleasing announcement. 

306 


THE PIKATe’s island 


307 


‘‘We are within a few miles of the coast/’ he 
said, “ and shall land very soon. I do not in- 
tend to run up the Sound again ; but propose 
leaving the schooner outside while we go ashore 
in the small boat.” 

It is needless to speak of the delight all felt at 
knowing that the unpleasant voyage was so 
nearly ended. This joy was exhibited in a 
variety of ways ; but no one was more demon- 
strative than Ernest, until a disagreeable thought 
occurred to him, and then he asked, quickly : 

“ How will it he possible to land from the out- 
side? To reach Captain Winny’s island it is 
necessary to cross the coast line of sand, and 
after that has been done another boat is needed.” 

“ I understand what you mean,” the old man 
replied, with a smile. “ It can he readily under- 
stood that we do not care to run the risk of 
meeting with your friend, or any one whom he 
may have sent in pursuit of us. By leaving the 
schooner outside, and taking the small boat with 
us, even at the e:^pense of dragging her a long 
distance over the sand, we shall be prepared for 


308 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


flight if it becomes necessary. However, I do 
not anticipate any trouble. We shall probably 
finish our work on the island, and leave there by 
to-morrow morning at the very latest.’’ 

But what is to be done with us ?” Mrs. 
Houghton asked, quickly. We might be forced 
to remain there many days before any one came 
to take us off.” 

Do not give yourself any uneasiness con- 
cerning that,” the old man replied. ‘‘ After 
what your daughter has done for us we shall 
take every possible step to insure the comfort of 
all. You will be landed at Boanoke unless we 
should have the good fortune to sight a vessel 
bound through the canal.” 

With this assurance and the knowledge that 
they were within the boundaries of their own 
country, all fear of what the crew might do was 
forgotten, and the little party hastened on deck, 
viewing the long stretch of low-lying sand as if 
it was a most beautiful and fertile piece of land. 

The little schooner was already being hove to ; 
both boats were in the water, and the general 


THE pirate's island 


309 


appearance of everything indicated that the 
voyage had come to a close. 

As he watched the sailors, Ernest became 
aware that several looked at him from time to 
time with an expression which was anything 
rather than friendly ; but it seemed as if he was 
so very near home that there could no longer be 
any reason for anxiety. 

“ It won't be many hours now before we say 
good-bye to them, whether the diamonds are 
found or not," he thought, ‘‘ so they are at liberty 
to look as sour as they please." 

When the schooner had been hove to, eight 
men were ordered into one of the boats, and, ap- 
proaching Mrs. Houghton, the old man asked : 

“ Is there anything below which you wish to 
take on shore ?" 

“ Our baggage is so limited that we can readily 
carry it with us," the widow replied, laughingly. 

‘‘ Then, before we leave the schooner for the 
last time, I wish to present that which was 
promised as a reward for, reading the cipher. 
You can divide them as seems proper," and he 


310 


THE BKAGANZA DIA3IOND 


handed her a tiny box, which, on being opened, 
revealed to view seven small, but very brilliant 
diamonds. 

Mazie fairly screamed with delight as she saw 
the sparkling stones; but her mother said, 
gravely, at the same time extending the package 
toward the old man : 

“They are very beautiful; but we cannot 
think of accepting anything so valuable.’^ 

“ Do not hesitate on that score, madam,” he 
replied, gravely. “We have held you prisoners 
without other right than our own necessities, and 
it is but just that some reparation should be 
made. At a future day I shall endeavor to offer 
a better recompense.” 

Then turning quickly, as if to prevent any 
reply, he gave some orders in his native tongue 
to his mates, after which Mrs. Houghton and 
Mazie were assisted into the boat, the boys clam- 
bering over the rail in their own fashion. 

The schooner had been brought as near in- 
shore as the depth of water would permit, and 
with two pairs of oars out, the trip to the beach 


THE PIEATe’s island 


311 


was made in a few moments. Then the boys 
understood how the sand spit was to be crossed. 

With four men on either side of the boat it 
was a simple matter to carry her to the Sound, 
when, without delay, the last portion of the 
journey was begun. 

Eagerly the little party of white people 
scanned the shore of the old pirate’s island for 
signs of the Midge, and while they were yet a 
long distance away Ernest electrified his com- 
panions by shouting : 

‘‘ There she is afloat ! Her upper works seem 
to be nearly repaired, and I believe I can see 
some one on board ! Ahoy ! Yacht ahoy !” 

Mazie and Perry joined their voices to his ; 
but without really expecting to receive a reply, 
and, consequently, their surprise was very great 
when a face with grizzled beard appeared above 
the rail, revealing the familiar features of the 
Midge’s owner. 

‘‘ There’s Captain Jake !” Mazie cried in de- 
light. “ Now the question of how we are to get 
home is settled.” 


312 


THE BEtAGANZA DIAMOND 


Then the boys and Mazie shouted again, the 
sailors glaring at them angrily, and the aston- 
ished commander of the launch finally succeeded 
in replying : 

“ Ahoy on the boat ?” 

Don’t you know us, captain ?” Ernest 
shouted at the full strength of his lungs, and 
although the boat was a long distance away, 
those on board could distinctly hear the old 
man give vent to a prolonged whistle of sur- 
prise. 

am very glad your friend is here,” the 
leader of the blacks said to Mrs. Houghton. 

‘‘ It surely is a great relief to me,” the widow 
replied. 

Neither Mazie nor the boys paid any attention 
to the scowling looks around them, so busily 
were they engaged in watching their old friend, 
and when the boat’s keel grated on the sand all 
three leaped out, to be caught consecutively in 
the arms of the captain, who appeared undecided 
as to whether he should first welcome them, or 
settle his accounts with the black man. 


THE PIKATe’s island 


313 


Don’t give way to anger until you have 
heard our story,” Mrs. Houghton whispered as 
she in turn clasped his hand, and without making 
any reply, or even bestowing a look upon the 
master of the schooner, Captain Jake led his 
friends toward the temporary workshop erected 
on the beach near where the Midge had gone 
ashore. 

Now tell me all about it,” he said, seating 
himself on a piece of timber. ‘‘ That black feller 
is makin’ ready to go up to the hut, an’ before 
he gets very far I want to have some idea of how 
we stand. This time I’m fixed so’s I can defend 
myself, an’ ain’t obliged to shut my mouth while 
he talks.” 

In the fewest possible words Mrs. Houghton 
gave an account of all that had occurred since 
they were forced to go on board the schooner, 
and in concluding displayed the package of 
diamonds. 

“ Wa’al, that ain’t so had after all,” the cap- 
tain said, his eyes losing considerable of their 
vengeful look; ‘‘but what about the stuff we 


314 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


found in old Winny’s hut ? Have you got that 
yet?” 

‘‘Nothing has been taken from us,” Mrs. 
Houghton replied. “Except for the fact of 
being prisoners, we couldn^t have had better 
treatment.” 

“ I reckon the trip won’t turn out a losin’ 
one after all,” and the captain’s face wore an 
expression of most intense satisfaction. “The 
yacht is cornin’ out of the scrape all right, an’ 
in a couple of days I shall have the engine 
workin’.” 

During the conversation the boys and Mazie 
were examining the Midge from the shore, and 
were on the point of venturing aboard by means 
of a rudely constructed raft, when the leader of 
the blacks was seen coming toward them. 

“ Let’s wait a minute, and see what’s up,” Er- 
nest suggested. 

The black man, having moored the boat a 
short distance from the shore, leaving one man 
on board as keeper, probably in order to be able 
to make a hurried start if the occasion should 


THE pirate's island 


315 


arise, approached Captain Jake as he said, in a 
friendly tone : 

“ I hope it may yet he possible to convince 
you that I have not willfully injured any one." 

I can't say hut that you've done the fair 
thing by the widder, if we don't take into con- 
sideration the fact that you carried her an' the 
youngsters away ag'in their wills." 

‘‘ Such a course was forced upon me by cir- 
cumstances," the man replied, gravely. I have 
tried to atone for the injustice, and now come to 
you with a proposition." 

‘‘ What is it ?" inquired Captain Jake, with 
rather an important air. 

I want some assistance in locating the place 
designated by the cipher, and am willing to pay 
liberally for the service." 

Remembering the diamonds shown by Mrs. 
Houghton, and with an itching palm for some 
of the same kind. Captain J ake replied : 

^‘If the job won't take too much time, I'm 
willin' to do what I can." 

‘‘ We shall probably finish it before sunset," 


316 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


the black man went on. “ Come with me to the 
house.’’ 

The remainder of the party had suffered so 
keenly through the mystic stone that this last 
chapter in the story had for them the most ab- 
sorbing interest, therefore they followed Captain 
Jake, determined to witness all the details of 
the search. 


CHAPTEE XXX 


THE CURSE OF THE STONE 


y^UEING the walk from the beach to the 
old pirate^s house, and while the leader 
of the blacks was conversing with his crew, Er- 
nest said to Captain Jake: 

‘‘ You haven't yet told us what you've been 
doing since we were carried away. Have you 
seen our parents ?" 

‘‘ After makin' such a fool of myself as to let 
that schooner give me the slip in the gloom, 
I've stayed right here. I don't feel very proud 
about showin' up among folks what are likely to 
hear of the fizzle." 

My father must be hunting for us by this 
time," Perry said, with a sigh. I wish they 
could know we are all right." 

I don't reckon you have any call to worry 
about that," Captain Jake replied, cheerily. 

317 


318 


THE BKAGANZA DIABIOND 


‘‘We haven’t been away from home so long yet 
as to give them a chance to worry. Most likely 
they think you’re havin’ a reg’lar lark.” 

Both Ernest and Perry believed that this 
view of the case was correct, sim23ly because it 
coincided with their desires, and with consider- 
ably lighter hearts they questioned the old man 
concerning his movements since the night he 
left them to make his perilous trip. 

“ Oh ! I got along slick as grease on that tri]D,” 
he said, with a laugh. “ The wind carried me at 
the rate of two or three knots an hour, and by 
sunrise I was aboard a tug owned by a friend of 
mine ready to hunt for you. We .waited only 
long enough to get extra provisions, coal, an’ 
some weapons that could be fired without doin’ 
more damage to the holder than any one else.” 

“ How long did you chase us ?” Perry asked. 

“ Till the next day at nightfall, many hours 
after you had got well out to sea. That much 
we learned from a Beaufort pilot, an’ it wasn’t 
any use to go further, cause your craft could 
easily give us the slip. We put into Moorehead 


THE CUKSE OF THE STONE 


319 


City, where I got what supplies an’ materials I 
should need in patchin’ up the yacht.” 

Have you been here ever since ?” Mazie 
asked. 

“ Every blessed day except one when I went 
over to Roanoke after grub.” 

Then you must have a boat,” Perry sug- 
gested. 

Of course I have. You don’t s’pose I’d be 
such a fool as to come back to this place with- 
out some means of leavin’ when I got tired, do 
you ?” 

By the time this conversation was finished 
they had arrived at the house, where the black 
man was waiting for them with every sign of 
impatience. 

The crew of the schooner are in a condition 
very nearly approaching insubordination,” he 
said to Captain Jake, which explains why my 
friend, whom you have seen, is not here to give 
the assistance I require from you. It is not well 
to leave the sailors alone while any of your party 
are on the island.” 


320 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Are they still bent on killin’ them ?” Cap- 
tain Jake asked, in surprise. 

“ They believe it should be done if we wish 
to be successful,” was the quiet reply. ‘‘ If we 
should fail in the first attempt, it will he neces- 
sary to conceal such fact from them until your 
party can be sent to Roanoke.” 

‘‘ If any monkey shines are tried, they won’t 
find me as short-handed as you did,” was the 
grim reply. 

There need he no fear while I am here ; 
but instead of wasting time over what will not 
happen — for we shall find the diamond — let us 
consult the cipher once more, that we may be 
ready to begin work exactly at noon, according 
to the directions.” 

Ernest, who had overheard this conversation, 
now observed the sailors more closely. They 
were lying on the sparse grg^ss in front of the 
house, talking earnestly among themselves, and 
watching keenly every member of the white 
party. 

‘‘ I believe they ivould make trouble for us if 


THE CURSE OF THE STONE 


321 


anything went wrong/’ he said to himself, and 
then, motioning to Perry, he whispered : Sup- 
pose we go into the house and see what weapons 
Captain Jake has there. It might be possible 
such information would come in very handy.” 

Mazie and her mother had already entered 
the building, and the boys followed them, leav- 
ing the two men studying over the old 23irate’s 
directions for finding the mystic stone. 

The interior of the cabin iDresented very much 
the same appearance as when the little j)arty 
last saw it. Captain Jake had added to the 
store of provisions, made a more comfortable 
bed, brought in a goodly supjoly of fuel, and 
otherwise prepared for a long stay. In one cor- 
ner was a modern fowling piece and a revolver, 
while near by stood the ancient weapons found 
in the old pirate’s underground arsenal. 

I reckon we can take care of ourselves, no 
matter how much those black fellows may be in- 
clined for mischief,” Ernest said to Perry, and 
before the latter could reply, Mazie cried, as 
she pointed to the open door : 

21 


322 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


See, they have begun to dig for the diamond! 
Come, boys, I wouldn’t miss seeing that wonder- 
ful stone when it is first taken from the ground.” 

Ernest and Perry followed her as she ran out 
of the house, and on arriving at the place where 
some of the sailors were at work, it was found 
that the task of exhuming the Braganza had 
really been begun. 

It was twenty minutes past noon. Bearings 
had been taken from the pine tree’s shadow, and 
the probable place of deposit decided upon. 

The black men were working with feverish 
energy, while Captain Jake and their leader 
stood near by, the latter displaying the most in- 
tense emotion ; his hands were clasped so tightly 
as to check the circulation of blood, and his face 
was absolutely livid. 

Rapidly the men worked until half an hour 
passed, and yet nothing had been found save 
water. The boys and Mazie had given up all 
hope that the mystic stone would be brought to 
light, and the leader of the blacks already wore 
a look of the most profound mental agony, when 


THE CUKSE OF THE STONE 


323 


a loud, joyous shout from one of the sailors 
caused the blood to bound in the spectators’ 
veins. 

That shout of triumph was the only display 
of feeling indulged in by the blacks. Then one 
would have supposed they were engaged in the 
most common-place task. 

From the excavation was sent up what ap- 
peared to be simply a package of tarred canvas, 
which the leader quickly cut open, his hands 
trembling violently, despite the immobility of 
his face. 

Beneath this outer covering was found a small, 
but stout wooden box, the lid of which was re- 
moved without difficulty, displaying what seemed 
like balls of fire, rather than anything to be worn 
as an ornament.. 

Mazie uttered a loud exclamation of surprise 
and admiration ; but the old black man fell on 
his knees as he held the glittering stones on high, 
while his companions gathered around him in 
every attitude expressive of adoration. 

This apparent .worship continued about five 


324 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


minutes, and then, placing the package in his 
bosom, the old man said to Captain Jake, as he, 
with the sailors, went toward the water’s edge : 

Remain here until I return from the 
schooner. My faithful companion must be per- 
mitted to join with me in celebrating the re- 
covery of the talisman.” 

The sailors had hurried into the boat, and 
their leader followed without speaking. Quick, 
vigorous strokes carried them away from the 
shore very rapidly, and when they were thirty or 
forty yards out Captain Jake shouted, as he ran 
toward the beach : 

'' Ahoy, there ! Bear more to the starboard, 
or you’ll strike the timbers of that wreck !” 

The occupants of the boat were in such a state 
of excitement that it is doubtful if they heard 
the words. 

The jagged timbers were dead ahead, and as a 
sudden gust of wind crested the waves with foam, 
the little craft, urged on by eight sturdy arms, 
struck the obstacle with such force as to crush 
every timber. 


THE CUESE OF THE STONE 


325 


From that time all the frightened ones on the 
shore could see was a confused mass of strug- 
gling wretches, and hits of broken planks. 

Instinctively the little party ran to the very 
edge of the beach, where they aided man after 
man ashore, until all save the leader gained a 
place of safety. 

Can you see anything of him Ernest cried 
as Captain J ake shaded his eyes with his hands, 
the better to distinguish objects among the 
crested waves. 

“ Not a thing,” was the mournful reply. He 
must have sunk like a stone.” 

“ Would the diamonds be heavy enough to do 
that ?” Mazie asked, in a tone of awe. 

“ Not in themselves, child ; but ’cording to my 
way of thiiikin’, there was a curse on ’em such 
as would ha’ carried down the best swimmer 
that ever went into the water.” 

By the merest chance Ernest happened to 
look^ toward the sailors just at this moment, and 
saw that which caused an exclamation of fear to 
burst from his lips. 


326 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


The black men, their faces distorted by grief 
and rage, were evidently making ready to rush 
upon the white party, and like a flash of light 
the leader’s words came into his mind. 

Look out !” he shouted. They are going 
to avenge their master’s death by killing us !” 


CHAPTER XXXI 


AN UNPKOVOKED ASSAULT 


^^HERE was good cause for Ernest’s warning 
cry. The black men, on being assisted 
through the surf by Captain Jake and the boys, 
clustered together a short distance down the 
beach, where they remained watching for some 
sign of their leader until there was no longer 
any possibility he could be alive. 

That he alone of all the boat’s crew should 
have perished, and so soon after succeeding in 
what had been a life search, seemed strange even 
to the party of whites ; but to the blacks it was 
positive proof that their gods were angry be- 
cause the sacrifice of those who profaned the 
schooner had not been permitted. 

The two elder members of the throng ha- 
rangued the others, probably arguing that if 
the white people were killed at once it would be 

327 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


possible to recover the mystic stone, and just as 
Ernest looked in that direction the onward rush 
was made. 

One minute later and it would have been 
impossible to reach the cabin before the infu- 
riated men overtook them. 

Fortunately Captain Jake's presence of mind 
did not forsake him, and equally fortunate it was 
also that Mrs. Houghton remained in the hut. 

Seizing Mazie by the hand, the old man 
shouted as he started at full speed toward the 
cabin : 

“ E-un for your lives, boys !" 

Of all the party Perry was the only one who 
appeared confused. He hesitated as if not 
knowing which way to turn, and it was neces- 
sary for Ernest to literally push him along 
before he understood exactly what should be 
done. 

Had the sailors been armed with any weapon 
besides their sheath-knives, more than one of 
the party would have been killed during that 
short chase ; but with the advantage of fully an 


AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT 


820 


hundred feet in the start, it was possible to 
reach the hut while the nearest pursuer was ten 
feet behind Perry. 

Even then one life might have been for- 
feited but for Mrs. Houghton. She had heard 
the howl of rage as the black men leaped to- 
ward their intended victims, and, seizing the 
fowling piece and the revolver, she stood in the 
door of the hut with the latter weapon leveled. 

The ominous looking tube was sufficient to 
bring the sailor in advance to a halt, and before 
Captain Jake could raise the gun, the entire 
party were running at full speed around the 
corner of the house out of range. 

Barricade the door, lads, while I keep watch 
at the window!’’ the old man shouted as he 
took up his position where he could command a 
view of the blacks, who had come to a halt at 
the southern point of the island near the pirate’s 
grave. I have a mind to put a bullet through 
that feller who is dancin’ ’round, most likely 
tryin’ to coax ’em on ag’in. I ain’t so old yet 
but that I could do it.” 


330 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


“Don’t!’’ Mrs. Houghton cried. “We must 
not be the ones to shed the first blood. Perhaj^s 
they will go quietly on board the schooner now 
it is known we have weapons.” 

“ It ain’t well to fool yourself with any such 
idee as that,” Captain Jake replied, grimly. 
“ If they’ve got the belief that the Braganza is 
lost forever unless we’re put out of the way, we 
may as well make up our minds for a long fight; 
more especially since there’s only one on board 
who don’t believe it must be done.” 

Although the white party were not aware of 
the fact, a boat had started from the yacht as 
soon as possible after the accident had occurred, 
and now while Ernest and Perry looked out of 
the window facing the sea, after having barri- 
caded the door, she was being drawn up on the 
beach. 

The sailors on the island joined their compan- 
ions at once, and a long conversation ensued, the 
23rincipal topic of which probably was- the result 
of the catastrophe. 

“ Now we’ll get an idee of what they mean to 


AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT 


331 


do/’ Captain Jake said, as he watched them 
jealously. 

See !” Mazie cried, some of the men are 
going in both directions along the beach. What 
can they be doing ?” 

Lookin’ for the body of the man who was 
drowned, most likely ; but they might just as 
well save themselves the trouble.” 

Do yon think the current would carry it 
away ?” Ernest asked. 

‘‘Not a hit of it, ’cause the water is pretty 
nigh slack between here an’ the spit. It’s them 
diamonds what are boldin’ him down, an’ the 
body won’t rise till they have washed out of his 
clothes. It’s jest the same as death for any one 
to touch ’em, an’ we’re going to have our share 
of trouble ’cause we helped find ’em.” 

“ That is a foolish superstition,” Mrs. Hough- 
ton said. “ You have no right to speak of such 
ridiculous things.” 

“ It’s true, just the same, an’ we’ll find it out 
before this scrape is over,” the old man replied 
doggedly. 


332 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘ The boat is going back to the schooner, leav- 
ing the greater portion of the men behind/’ 
Ernest cried from his post at the window. 

The little party ceased conversation in order 
to learn from the maneuvers what the black men 
proposed to do. 

The boat remained alongside the ^acht ten or 
fifteen minutes, and was then rowed back to the 
shore with an additional number of men on 
board. 

‘‘ They mean business this time,” Captain 
Jake said, as the party landed. Every blessed 
one of ’em have got a gun, an’ it’s us they’re 
after.” 

Ten men were stationed at different points on 
the beach, probably to watch for the body of 
their drowned leader. 

Four sailors rowed the boat to and fro near 
the sinister-looking timbers of the partially 
submerged wreck, and the remainder, six in 
number, marched to where a full view of the 
house could be had, each taking his station 
behind a tree, or just beyond gunshot range. 


AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT 


333 


“ That’s so we can’t get away,” Captain Jake 
said, in a matter-of-fact tone. “ They’ll stand 
guard there till the others have searched awhile 
for the corpse, an’ then we can look out for 
squalls.” 

‘‘If they come at us with a rush we shall 
stand no show at all,” Ernest said, his face 
growing several shades paler than usual. 
“ Those flintlock guns are good for nothing but 
to make a noise.” 

“ We’ll prepare for their reception,” the old 
man said, as he looked around scrutinizingly. 
“ In the first place, these windows must he 
boarded up, if that is possible, an’ then we’ll 
overhaul the guns.” 

To carry this plan into effect was not so sim- 
ple as might seem. The supply of lumber was 
limited to such pieces as yet remained from the 
floor, and the only nails obtainable were those 
which Captain Winny had driven into the walls 
for pegs. 

It was possible, however, to close the window 
overlqoking the Sound with some degree of 


334 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


security. The one facing the south was neces- 
sarily left open the width of twelve inches from 
top to bottom. 

In the door, and at several places around the 
wooden walls, loopholes were made in such a 
manner that a reasonably good view could be 
had of what occurred on the outside. 

I reckon weVe done about all that is pos- 
sible,” the old man said, as he surveyed with 
critical eye the result of their labors. ‘‘Now, 
Perry, you stand here and keep them niggers in 
sight, while Ernest an’ I try to put some of the 
flintlocks in shootin’ condition. Don’t hesitate 
to fire if any of the villains give you a chance.” 

“ It seems terrible to shoot at a human being,” 
Perry replied,, as, armed with the fowling piece, 
he took up his position by the partially closed 
window. 

“You’ll find that it ain’t half so bad as for 
them to shoot at you. There mustn’t be any 
hesitation now, for if we don’t fire to kill at the 
first chance, they’ll think we’re afraid, which will 
be all the worse for us when the fight begins.” 


DEFENDING THE HUT AGAINST THE BLACKS 

(See Page 334) 






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• I 


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AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT 335 

Perry promised to have no scruples about 
using his weapon, and, aided by Ernest, the old 
man began work on the ancient guns, Mazie 
joining the sentinel at the window, from which 
point of vantage she reported all that could be 
seen. 

The men in the boat are rowing around the 
wreck, and making signals to those on the 
schooner. Some of the sailors who were on the 
beach have come up to those on guard, and all 
appear to be creeping nearer the house.” 

“ Watch for a chance to shoot. Perry !” Cap- 
tain Jake cried at this point. ‘‘The princijDal 
thing is to keep ’em from closin’ in on us.” 

During the remainder of the day this condi- 
tion of affairs remained unchanged. The search 
for the body of the drowned man was continued, 
and those who watched the house succeeded in 
crawling up a few paces despite Perry’s vigi- 
lance. 

A thorough examination of Captain Winny’s 
weapons was not calculated to give much en- 
couragement to those who would soon need every 


336 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


]30ssible method of defense. They were rusted 
both inside and out ; but, regarding not the pos- 
sible danger, Captain Jake loaded them heavily. 

I’ll take the responsibility of touching ’em 
off*,’^ he said. ‘‘ Now, Mrs. Houghton, you an’ 
Mazie set about gettin’ supper the same as if our 
friends had taken their black bodies to a more 
cheerful place, an’ I’ll give Perry a rest, for 
he’s had a pretty long watch.” 

While the widow and her daughter were pre- 
paring a meal which made up in quantity what 
it lacked in quality, the old man discharged his 
weapon twice, remarking, as the noise of the re- 
ports died away : 

‘‘ There’s one feller who won’t take very much 
interest in what happens after this.” 

Did you kill him ?” Mazie asked, in a tone 
of awe. 

“ No such good luck,” was the grim reply ; 
‘‘ but he’s got a couple of bullets somewhere in 
his body, an’ the other fellows are puttin’ him 
on the boat. Two or three doses like that an’ 
they’ll begin to have some respect for us.” 


AN UNPROVOKED ASSAULT 337 

It was not a very jolly party wliich gathered 
around the supper table on this evening. The 
fact that night was fast approaching, when the 
blacks could creep up unobserved, caused the 
most dismal forebodings, and even Captain Jake 
looked anxious. 


22 


CHAPTEE XXXII 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 

night settled down over sea and land 
every member of the besieged party was 
on the alert. 

In order that no advantage should he had by 
the enemy, Captain Jake carefully extinguished 
the fire, and stationed one of his small army at 
each side of the building. Mrs. Houghton and 
Mazie were overlooking the northern and west- 
ern portions of the island, because these were 
the points from which an attack was less liable 
to be made. Ernest was armed with the fowl- 
ing piece. Perry had the revolver, and Captain 
Jake took charge of the entire flintlock collec- 
tion. 

Mazie and her mother were unarmed. 

Our lives depend now on the kind of watch 
that is kept,” the old man said, gravely. Don’t 
338 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 


339 


make any more noise than is absolutely neces- 
sary, and if any one begins to feel sleepy, own 
right up to it so’s we can make sure he ain’t al- 
lowed a chance to close his eyes.” 

I don’t fancy that will hap23en to a member 
of this party,” Mazie replied, with a nervous 
laugh. “ The knowledge that those men were 
outside waiting for an opportunity to kill us, 
would prevent my eyes from closing during a 
whole week.” 

“ There are times when a person falls asleep, 
no matter how much danger there is in front of 
him,” Captain Jake said, as he began to make 
his rounds from one loophole to another, as was 
his intention to do until morning, for the double 
purpose of aiding in the watch, and learning 
whether every member of the party remained on 
the alert. 

The night was so clear that the light of the 
stars brought out with distinctness every object 
not within the line of shadow, and until mid- 
night nothing of an alarming nature had been 


seen. 


340 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


Mazie began to believe they had been mis- 
taken regarding the intentions of the blacks, and 
had just expressed her sorrow because Captain 
Jake wounded the sailor, when Ernest said, in a 
whisper : 

A boat is putting off from the schooner, and 
appears to be loaded with men/’ 

That was sufficient to quicken the pulse of 
every one, and with bated breath they waited for 
the first sound which should proclaim that the 
battle, in which all the chances were against 
them, had begun. 

Another hour passed in silence, and then Cap- 
tain Jake discharged one of the flintlocks at a 
dark object which had just emerged from the 
shadow of a tree. 

The unexpected report so startled the watchers 
that the effect of the shot was not observed, save 
as Captain Jake was concerned. The recoil of 
the weapon knocked him over, and for a moment 
the others believed he had been killed by a shot 
from the outside. 

Don’t spend any time on me,” he shouted as 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 


341 


Mazie ran toward him. The gun kicked, and 
there^s no harm done unless they sneak up while 
youh'e not on watch.” 

“ Are you hurt much ?” Mrs. Houghton asked 
solicitously, as Mazie ran back to her post of 
duty, and the old man arose from the floor. 

Not half as much as I shall be if them villains 
succeed in catchin’ us,” was the grim reply. 

Now that some of the rust has left the barrel, 
I reckon it’ll work easier.” 

There was no further ojiportunity for conver- 
sation. At that moment Ernest discharged both 
barrels of his gun in rapid succession, and be- 
fore the noise of the reports died away. Perry 
fired a volley. 

The battle had begun. The blacks were ad- 
vancing by leaping from the shelter of one tree 
to another, and during the next ten minutes not 
a word was spoken by the defenders of the 
cabin. 

The small apartment was filled with smoke ; 
the reports of the weapons were deafening, and 
the continuous rattle of musketry from the out- 


342 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


side, after the assailants learned that it was im- 
possible to creep up unobserved, made a most 
furious din. 

More than one bullet had found its way inside 
the building, through the interstices of the tim- 
bers, or the loop-holes ; but no injury had been 
done. Ernest could show a rent in his coat, and 
Perry’s cheek had been scratched by a splinter. 

This much had been ascertained when the 
enemy retreated for an instant, probably to carry 
the wounded to the boat, and before the besieged 
had time to congratulate each other on their 
good fortune, the black men commenced another 
fusillade. 

Captain Jake discharged his flintlock through 
the half-closed window as both the boys emptied 
their weapons, and again the old man fell to the 
floor. 

This time no one fancied he was injured, be- 
cause of the previous tumble, and it was not 
until he made a feeble attemj)t to rise that Mazie 
asked : 

Did it hurt as much as before ?” 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 


343 


It’s a little worse, my girl, for one of them 
niggers has plumped a bullet through my 
shoulder. Don’t leave the loop-holes !” he 
shouted sternly, as Mazie and her mother started 
toward him. I can take care of myself awhile 
longer, an’ we must-know what’s goin’ on out- 
side.” 

At least let me try to bandage the wound,” 
Mrs. Houghton pleaded. “ You can come here 
where I will he able to keej) a lookout while 
doing something to stop the flow of blood.” 

The hoys were too deeply engaged with the 
enemy to give their wounded companion any 
attention. Despite the fact that both loaded and 
discharged their weapons with the utmost rapidity 
the blacks steadily closed in around the cabin. 

Owing to the gloom outside, and the dense 
smoke in the cabin, it was imjoossible to take 
very accurate aim, and only at rare intervals did 
one of the enemy fall. 

Mrs. Houghton had bound up Captain Jake’s 
wound, which was more jiainful than serious, 
with a strijD of cloth torn from her dress, and 


344 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


was on the point of insisting that he remain per- 
fectly quiet, when Ernest said : 

The barrel of my gun is so hot that I can 
hardly hold it.” 

Use the water from the pail to clean it, while 
I take your place with a flintlock,” the old man 
said, as he rose to his feet with no little difficulty 
and began loading the weapon. 

‘‘If it kicks again you will he dangerously in- 
jured — perhajDS killed,” Mrs. Houghton cried 
warningly. 

“ That can’t be helped jest now. Ernest, clean 
your gun as quick as you know how, and I’ll 
hold your place for awhile any way.” 

In his eagerness to finish the work in the 
least possible space of time, Ernest dashed the 
water into the barrels without thinking that the 
moment might come when the very essential 
liquid would be even more precious than the 
diamonds given them by the leader of the 
blacks. 

By this waste, however, he succeeded in com- 
pleting the task quickly, and when Captain Jake 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 


345 


fired his second shot, Ernest was ready to resume 
his post of duty at the loophole. 

The suffering which the recoil of the flintlock 
caused the old man must have been very great ; 
hut he made no complaint, only saying, when 
Ernest insisted on his moving aside : 

I reckon I will, lad, for the old gun can^t be 
depended on when you want to do any very fine 
shootin’.’’ 

The second assault did not continue more than 
twenty minutes, and again the blacks retreated, 
now disappearing entirely from view. 

The besieged certainly needed a breathing 
spell, and while Mazie and her mother ran 
from one loophole to another, the male mem- 
bers of the party cleaned their weapons. 

^‘Are there any more cartridges for the re- 
volver?’’ Perry asked, when he was ready to 
return to his post. 

All I brought were in that pajoer box on the 
shelf,” Captain Jake replied, starting to his feet 
in alarm as the thought came into his mind 
for the first time that the lack of ammunition 
might soon end the battle. 


346 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘There are only six left/’ Perry said, in a 
tone of despair. “ I have tried not to waste 
any ; but it was necessary to fire every time I 
saw one of those men.” 

“ You ain’t to be blamed, lad. It’s the curse 
of the Braganza, that’s all,” and the old cajD- 
tain stepped back from the loophole as if all 
hope had departed. 

“ This is no time to talk about such silly fan- 
cies,” Mrs. Houghton said, angrily, knowing 
that unless he could be aroused from his raj^idly 
increasing despondency they were indeed lost. 

“ I don’t believe there can be any curse at- 
tached to a stone,” Ernest added, bitterly ; “ but 
at the same time all my cartridges, except eleven, 
have been used. We shall have to depend upon 
the flintlocks entirely if they make another 
charge.” 

“ Look ! look !” Mazie cried, from the loop- 
hole which faced the ocean. “I can see a 
bright light ! Do you suppose the schooner is 
on fire ?” 

Captain Jake was at her side in an instant. 


THE NIGHT ATTACK 


347 


and after gazing through the aperture a moment, 
he shouted : 

The villains have set fire to the poor little 
Midge ! Oh ! if I only had ’em within reach of 
my two hands, one at a time, I’d make the nig- 
gers howl !” 

After a few moments, when the flames showed 
above the tops of the trees, there could be no 
question but that the yacht was on fire. The 
sea was illumined until the black tracery of the 
schooner’s spars and rigging could be seen in 
the distance ; but the enemy took good care to 
keep out of sight. 

Although the little steamer would be of no 
assistance while the black men were on the is- 
land, every member of the party felt that by 
her destruction a most serious blow had been 
struck, and the chances of finally escaping 
from their assailants seemed now to be few. 
No one dared to speak, lest a tremor of the 
voice should betray the desj)air in the heart, 
and during the next half hour perfect silence 
reigned. 


348 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


All watched the flames as if fascinated by 
them, and not until the fire finally died away 
did any one leave the aperture through which 
the spectacle could be seen. 

Then, when only a dull glow told of the das- 
tardly and useless deed. Captain Jake said, after 
clearing his throat several times, as if fearful 
his voice might tremble : 

“Well, folks, there’s no use cryin’over spilled 
milk. I’ll wash a little of the powder out of 
my mouth, an’ then we’ll settle down to watchin’ 
ag’in.- You see ” 

He ceased speaking very suddenly, and, step- 
ping quickly to his side, Ernest saw him staring 
at the empty water-pail. 

“ Is it all gone ?” the hoy asked, suddenly 
remembering how he had wasted the liquid. 

“ Every drop,” Captain Jake whispered, 
hoarsely ; “ an’ if them niggers don’t do any- 
thing but wait round out of gunshot, we’ll have 
to give up beaten mighty soon.” 


CHAPTER XXXIII 


THE HIDDEN HOARD 

remainder of the party had heard Er- 
nest’s question, and understood perfectly 
well the meaning of the old man’s look of dis- 
may as he gazed at the emjDty pail. 

‘‘ It’s goin’ to come kinder tough,” he said, 
with a feeble attempt at cheerfulness; ‘‘but I 
reckon we can stand it. Instead of makin’ things 
worse by frettin’, s’pose we settle down to ship- 
shape work. Seein’s how the enemy have hauled 
off to have a little fun burnin’ the Midge, it 
wouldn’t he a bad idee for us to take a rest. You 
young folks lay down while the widder an’ I 
stand watch. It won’t take more’n a jiffy to 
waken all hands if you happen to fall asleep.” 

It may seem strange that there should be any 
desire for slumber while they were surrounded 
by enemies, with no water in the hut, and but 

349 


350 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


a scanty supply of ammunition ; but the smoke 
made their eyes heavy, and the excitement 
caused great mental fatigue. The younger 
members of the party at once availed themselves 
of the opportunity, and in a few moments all 
were wrapped in slumber, despite Mazie’s pre- 
vious assertion that it would be impossible for 
her to close her eyes under such circumstances. 

It seemed as if the black men, after burning 
the Midge, had decided to suspend operations 
for awhile. 

The captain and Mrs. Houghton kept vigilant 
watch ; but nothing could be seen save a dull 
glow in the direction where the little steamer 
had been anchored, and after half an hour had 
passed, the widow asked, in a low tone : 

Hoes the wound give you much pain 

‘‘It twinges a bit; but that’s nothin’ com- 
pared to the thirst it causes. I have a mind to 
risk goin’ to the spring.” 

“ Some of the blacks may be hiding close by, 
waiting for just such an opportunity, and it 
would be impossible to escape if they made an 


THE HIDDEN HOAKD 


351 


attack/’ Mrs. Houghton replied, with a very 
perceptible tremor in her voice. 

‘‘ I reckon that’s what the villains are count- 
in’ on ; hut almost anything is better than stayin’ 
here with this hurnin’ thirst.” 

‘^Wait an hour longer, when there will be 
more chance of finding them asleep,” the widow 
rejilied, hoping that as the time wore on the 
other would recognize the danger of such an 
attempt. “ Tell me what is to he done if another 
attack is made to-morrow morning ?” 

Captain Jake looked around to ascertain if 
the others were asleep, and then replied, in a 
whisper : 

“ It’s my opinion we’ll he in their clutches 
before noon. We can hold ’em back just about 
half an hour, an’ then the jig is up.” 

Mrs. Houghton knew some time before that 
their condition was desperate ; but to have her 
fears thus verified by the old man really startled 
her, and during the following hour not a word 
was spoken. 

At the end of that time the old man arose 


352 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


softly from the table which he had utilized as a 
seat, and whispered, as he shook Ernest and 
Perry : 

Rouse up, boys, an’ stand watch while I go 
for some water. ‘‘ It’s what we’ve got to have, 
an’ now’s our chance while them heathen seem 
to be quiet.” 

Both were on their feet in an instant, for the 
slumber had not been profound, and Ernest said, 
pleadingly : 

■‘Don’t venture out. Captain Jake. We can 
surely get along one day without water.” 

“ PerhajDS so, if we were certain of getting it 
then ; but that’s what no man can say. I’m goin’, 
and it’s no use to argue. You an’ Perry are to 
stand by the door. If them villains creep up 
on me, fire one volley, an’ barricade the entrance 
ag’in ; but on no account put your nose out of 
the house.” 

It could readily be seen that nothing could 
turn the old man from his purpose, and the boys 
did as they were bidden. 

Captain Jake took up the water-pail and the 


THE HIDDEN HOAKD 


353 


coffee-pot, gazed once more through the loophole, 
and then began to remove the fastenings from 
the door. 

E-ememher the orders,’’ he said, in a whisper, 
hesitating a moment, and then, with one back- 
ward glance at his friends, he walked swiftly 
toward the spring. 

The anxious watchers could distinguish his 
form even after he was among the shadows, for 
he made no attempt at concealing himself. 

Twice did he bend over after reaching his 
destination, and Mazie whispered : 

He has filled both vessels and the black men 
have not seen him.” 

The words had hardly been spoken before a 
flash of light came from among the foliage, fol- 
lowed by a loud report, and Ernest cried : 

Come on. Perry ! I’m not going to stand 
and see them shoot him down, no matter what 
his orders were.” 

Perry followed his cousin without hesitation, 
and when the boys were a dozen paces from the 
door, four men came out of the underbrush in 
23 


354 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


pursuit of the captain, who was running as fast 
as a man can when handicaj)ped by a load of 
water. 

There was no thought now of saving the cart- 
ridges. Each boy fired with the utmost rapidity, 
while the captain hurried on in a zigzag course 
to prevent the blacks from taking accurate aim, 
and before the ammunition was exhausted he had 
reached the hut. 

Ernest and Perry followed without delay, but 
not because of any immediate danger. Three 
of the black men were lying on the ground 
dead, or so badly crippled as to be harmless, and 
the fourth had taken to his heels in the direction 
of the water. 

It was but the work of a few moments to 
fasten the door securely again, assisted as they 
were by Mazie, and, meanwhile, the old man was 
regaining his breath. 

I’d a’ gone under if it hadn’t been for you,” 
he said, extending his hands to the boys. That 
was one of a mighty few cases where it was best 
to disobey orders.” 


THE HIDDEN HOAKD 


355 


“ With only four against us I knew we could 
do some good, and not run much risk,” Ernest 
replied ; “ but we have paid for that water with 
all our cartridges.” 

“ You couldn't have spent them better, lad, 
for three of the scoundrels are out of the fight, 
an' I reckon the other has learned a good lesson.'' 

Then the old man quenched his thirst with a 
copious draught of the precious fluid, and Mrs. 
Houghton insisted on bathing the wound despite 
his protest against the waste of water. 

Now it was Captain Jake's turn to lie down, and 
the hoys and Mazie performed guard duty until 
the crimson flush of morn appeared in the eastern 
sky. The enemy had made no further demon- 
strations, nor could any signs of them be seen 
on the land. 

Seaward the graceful little schooner rose and 
fell on the lazy swell, and the restless waters, 
which had engulfed the Braganza and its finder, 
rippled musically on the beach. 

The old man was not awakened until Mrs. 
Houghton had prepared breakfast, and, as he 


356 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


gazed through the loopholes in every direction, 
Ernest reported the peaceful condition of things 
during the night. 

‘‘ They Ve hauled off to hatch up a plan, by 
which we can he taken out of here without too 
much damage to themselves,” he said. That 
bullet only went through the fleshy part of my 
shoulder, and, excepting for being a little stiff, 
Vm as well as ever. We’ll try to clean up the 
flintlocks a bit more, an’ give ’em a fairly warm 
reception when they come ag’in.” 

Do you suppose they’ll make another attack 
this forenoon ?” Perry asked. 

“We needn’t look for ’em ag’in till sunset.” 
Captain Jake replied, in a positive tone. “ They’ll 
hunt for the leader’s body as long as it’s light, 
an’ give us a dose after dark.” 

The barricades against the windows and doors 
needed* strengthening in many places, as could 
now be seen, and the old man proposed that these 
be attended to even before any attempt was made 
to render the guns more serviceable. 

The two things lacking were lumber and nails ; 


THE HIDDEN HOAED 


B57 


but the captain soon saw a way to procure 
them. 

This hut is sheathed inside with boards,” he 
said, reflectively, “ an’ by rippin’ off a few we 
shall have all that’s needed.” 

This was begun without delay, Mazie insisting 
on being allowed to perform a certain share of 
the labor, while her mother acted as sentinel. 

All right, my girl,” Captain Jake said, good- 
naturedly. You can start in over by the fire- 
place, where you can’t do mischief, even if noth- 
ing is accomplished.” 

Determined to show that her services were not 
to be despised, she set about the work with a will, 
and in a comparatively short time had removed 
the three boards which formed the base of the 
projection on one side of the fireplace. 

“ Those short pieces are just what we want to 
fasten the others together with,” Ernest cried as 
he saw the result of her work. Get some 
more if you can.” 

Mazie turned to do as he desired, and no one 
paid any particular attention to her until they 
were startled by a loud cry of surprise, and, turn- 


358 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


ing, saw her standing in front of a small j)ile of 
gold coins, while from an aperture in the wall 
issued a tiny stream of the precious metal, the 
pieces clinking together with a musical murmur. 

It is needless to say that every member of the 
party ran quickly toward her, and not until the 
yellow stream ceased falling did any one break 
the silence. 

Then the captain said with a long-drawn 
breath of surprise, as he knelt in front of the 
treasure : 

‘‘ I- needn^t feel so bad about the Midge now, 
for my share of this lot will be enough to buy 
two or three just like her.” 

I might think it was a lucky find if we were 
sure of ever getting home again,” Perry said, as 
he watched the old man gloating over the treas- 
ure. But the way things look now, it’s a 
question whether we shall be able to carry our- 
selves ” 

“ Come here quickly !” Mrs. Houghton called 
from the window. There are as many as a 
dozen men marching straight toward the house.” 


THE HIDDEN HOAKD 


359 


“ Jump to the loopholes, boys the old man 
shouted. “ They’re goin’ to charge in a body !” 

‘‘ And without ammunition we shall not be 
able to do very much toward preventing them 
from shooting us down,” Ernest replied, gloomily. 


CHAPTER XXXIV 


THE PARLEY 


though the little party could not de- 
fend themselves, every one sprang to the 
loopholes as if it were possible to do so. 

Mrs. Houghton^s statement in regard to the 
advance was correct. The blacks had marched 
up fro.m the beach to the line of trees ; hut there 
they halted, and when the besieged were where 
a view of the outside could be gained, the men 
were screened by the foliage. 

After one brief glance Captain Jake had 
turned his attention to the flintlocks, and was 
now loading them with the utmost rapidity. 

‘‘Take hold, lads he shouted. “We can 
give ^em one or two rounds before they get 
here 

“ They don’t seem to be coming yet awhile,” 
Ernest cried, from the window. “ All hands are 
360 


THE PAKLEY 


861 


beliind the trees, and Here is one fellow 

starting this way with something white tied on 
a stick.” 

Captain Jake ceased his work to look through 
the window, and after a moment he exclaimed : 

I’m blest if they ain’t sending out a flag of 
truce !” 

‘‘What can they want of us, except to po- 
litely request that we come out and be killed ?” 
Mazie asked. 

“We shall soon know,” the old man replied, 
as he unbarred the door and stepped boldly into 
the open air. 

The bearer of the white flag was the mate, 
he who had been the first to propose that the 
boys be killed, and he advanced until within a 
dozen yards of the building before halting. 

“ It strikes me you’ve got considerable nerve 
to come here with a white flag after doin’ your 
best to kill us,” Captain Jake said, angrily. 

“We do not desire to harm you,” the man re- 
plied, with a slight inclination of the head. 

“ Then what’s the meanin’ of all this shoot- 


362 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘ There will be nothing more of the kind if 
you deliver up the two boys to us. Besides, we 
will reward you more generously than our mas- 
ter did the girl who read the secret writing.’’ 

What do you want of the lads ?” 

They have offended our gods, and until both 
are offered as sacrifices, we shall never find the 
body of our master nor recover the mystic stone 
upon which the welfare of our country de- 
pends.” 

‘‘ An’ you think I would do such a thing for 
the sake of savin’ my life, to say nothin’ of the 
money ?” the old man cried, in a rage. 

It is better to do so than to be shot down 
like a dog, as will be the case if you defy us,” 
the mate replied. “We intend to remain here 
until our purpose has been accomplished, and 
you must finally succumb, however large an 
amount of ammunition there may be in the 
house.” 

As he said this he looked searchingly at the 
old man, probably hoping to learn from the ex- 
pression of his face how many hours the little 
party could hold out. 


THE PAELEY 


363 


I reckon we can keep it up as long as you 
care to/’ Captain Jake said, with an evident ef- 
fort at carelessness. ‘‘ Perhaps you haven’t fig- 
ured on the chance that some craft may come 
along before you are able to get inside of the 
house.” 

‘‘ That can hardly happen until after we have 
succeeded ; but we will not waste time by talking 
about it. I propose to give you half an hour in 
which to make up your mind. You may look 
at the matter in a different light after a little re- 
flection.” 

“I don’t want five seconds,” the old man 
screamed, ‘‘ an’ I’ll give you jest that length of 
time to get away from here. It won’t be safe to 
stay after I go inside.” 

The mate hesitated a moment as if about to 
make another proposition ; but the expression on 
Captain Jake’s face caused him to change his 
mind. Wheeling suddenly, he walked at a 
rapid pace toward the thicket, and the old man 
rejoined his companions. 

Ernest and Perry had overheard the conver- 


364 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


sation, as a matter of course, and the former 
called the captain aside, whispering to him in a 
voice that trembled in spite of himself : 

I don’t want to say anything foolish ; but 
I can’t help thinking that it would be better 
for you to do as that man proposes. There is 
no chance that either of us will get out of here 
alive if they make another attack, now that 
our ammunition is exhausted. Since there is 
absolutely no hope, why not surrender two for 
the sake of saving three, and two of them 
women ?” 

‘‘ Lad,” the old man replied, as he passed 
the back of his hand across his eyes, “ do you 
think so meanly of me as that ? I care as much 
for life as the majority of people ; but ain’t in 
love with it enough to save it in any such 
way.” 

“We had rather die together than desert a 
single member of the party,” Mazie said, as she 
slipped her hand in Ernest’s, having overheard 
a portion of the conversation. 

“ I think it would be better to do as Ernest 


THE PAELEY 


365 


lias proposed, and I fancy I know what he 
has been talking about,” Perry said, as he ap- 
proached the captain. “ If some can he saved, 
why not take advantage of the opportunity ?” 

Because we do not wish to purchase our 
safety at any such price,” Mazie answered. It 
is time we got ready to resist the attack, which 
will probably be made very soon.” 

You’re right, my girl,” Captain Jake said, 
heartily. “ We won’t think again of what the 
boys have proposed ; but ]Day strict attention to 
givin’ them villains such a recej)tion as they 
deserve.” 

While this conversation was going on Mrs. 
Houghton had remained at the window, watch- 
ing the movements of the men near the thicket, 
and when the others joined her she said : 

They are preparing for some kind of mis- 
chief. It looks to me as if they were melting 
tar.” 

Ernest took her place at the loophole, and 
after studying the scene two or three minutes, he 
exclaimed, in a tone of fear : 


366 


THE BKAGANZA DIAMOND 


“ They are melting tar, and smearing it on 
bundles of wood. The intention probably is to 
set this hut on fire.” 

They Ve got to come within shootin’ distance 
before that can be done,” Captain Jake said^ 
grimly, an^ these old flintlocks can be de- 
j)ended on for a little damage.” 

There was plenty of time in which to make 
all the preparations possible. The guns could 
not be used more than once in case of a furious 
assault, but they were charged heavily. The 
rusty cutlasses were placed near at hand, and 
then there was nothing for the besieged to do 
but wait until the final struggle began. 

During the remainder of the day the blacks 
kept within the shelter of the thicket, never 
once showing themselves, save in the distance. 
The small boat was rowed around the scene of 
the disaster constantly, and a party patroled the 
beach from time to time, thus proving that their 
leader’s body had not been recovered. The 
schooner was still hove to off the shore, and 
twice the searchers went out to her as if for in- 
structions. 


THE PAELEY 


367 


When the shadows of night began to fall, 
however, the scene was changed. The blacks 
gathered just outside the thicket, showing by 
their numbers that nearly the entire crew Avere 
on shore, and Captain Jake said : 

I reckon they’ve got the best of that other 
old man, for I don’t believe he’d agree to any 
business like this.” 

He couldn’t help himself against all that 
croAvd, no matter how hard he might try,” Er- 
nest replied. know he wouldn’t sanction 

anything of the kind.” 

‘^We needn’t worry about him now, lads,” 
Captain J ake said, grimly, ‘‘ for here they come. 
Stand firm, an’ give ’em the toughest dose Ave 
can before all hands jump in on us.” 

There was no necessity for this injunction. 
The boys were nerved for the worst, knowing 
full well how desperate was the condition of af- 
fairs, and prepared to struggle to the bitter end. 

The blacks circled around the house in order 
to approach all four sides at the same moment. 

Each carried a package of the prepared wood 


368 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMO]?^D 


in addition to his weapons, and all were careful 
to keep out of range while taking up their posi- 
tions. 

Then came a brief pause, and when the gloom 
of night had settled down it was possible to see 
the dark figures of the men creeping stealthily 
toward the hut. 


CHAPTER XXXV 


SMOKED OUT 


“DON’T shoot until you’re certain of hittin’ 
the mark,” Captain Jake said, as he and 
the hoys stood at the loopholes looking out into 
the darkness, the latter doing their best to re- 
press a tremor of fear, for both believed this 
last attack would be brief and fatal. 

Mrs. Houghton and Mazie were looking from 
the loopholes which overlooked the Sound, and 
after all had peered into the gloom in vain sev- 
eral minutes, the latter said : 

I can see four or five men circling round as 
if dragging something.” 

Neither the boys nor Captain Jake paid much 
attention to this information ; a deliberate assault 
was all they feared, and until that was made no 
immediate danger need be api^rehended. 

Ten minutes more passed, and Mazie cried : 

24 369 


370 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


‘‘ They are dragging something, and I believe 
that the object, whatever it is, gives out sparks/’ 

This last announcement was sufficient to 
arouse the old man’s curiosity, and crossing to 
the opposite side of the hut he gazed in the di- 
rection indicated by Mazie. 

It was some time before the meaning of these 
new tactics could be determined, and then he 
cried : 

“ The villains are goin’ to set the hut on fire 
without givin’ us a chance to shoot at ’em. 
They’ve tied ropes to the bundles of wood, an’ 
by makin’ a long circuit around can pull the 
stuff against the cabin.” 

Almost immediately after the old man spoke 
it was possible to understand the maneuver. The 
tar-covered kindlings were lighted by those 
within the shelter of the trees, after which 
several of th^ party stationed on the opposite 
side dragged the inflammable material across the 
open. 

Within five minutes from the time the first 
fire package was discovered, no less than six were 


SMOKED OUT 


371 


advancing toward the building, the rapidly in- 
creasing flames bringing the hut out in strong 
relief and rendering more dense the gloom 
among the trees. 

Against such an enemy weapons were useless, 
and Captain Jake stood as if stupefled until 
Ernest asked, nervously : 

There are two shovels and an axe here ; why 
can’t we dig a tunnel to Captain Winny’s maga- 
zine ? It isn’t more than six feet from the door, 
and it will take some time for these logs to get 
well on fire.” 

Captain Jake hesitated only an instant ; there 
was not enough water in the hut to extinguish 
one bundle of the wood and tar, and even had 
there been an inexhaustible supply, it could not 
have been used without the besieged exposing 
themselves to the enemy’s bullets. It was barely 
possible Ernest’s plan might succeed, and he 
cried : 

It can’t do any harm to try it, lad Mazie, 
you and your mother keep us posted as to how 
matters progress outside, an’ we’ll make a big 
pull for it.” 


372 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


With an energy born of despair the old man 
and the boys began the work of tunneling. 
Perry chopped at the hard earth with the axe, 
while the others shoveled, directing their course 
at such an inclination as was believed would 
bring them to the bottom of the excavation. 

Meanwhile, Mazie and her mother reported all 
that could be seen outside. 

Nearer and nearer came the moving flames 
until they were drawn close to the building, and 
the smoke, which drove through the loopholes 
and crevices, grew so dense as to be almost 
stifling. 

There are as many as eight piles of burning 
wood directly against the house,” Mrs. Hough- 
ton said, when the tunnel had been dug to the 
depth of eight feet. ‘‘The logs are blazing 
fiercely, and the wind drives the smoke directly 
inside.” 

“ Have they burned through yet ?” Captain 
Jake asked, without ceasing his labors. 

“It will be some time yet before anything 
like that can happen.” 


SMOKED OUT 


373 


Lie down with your faces pressed close to this 
fresh earth, an’ by that means you can hold out 
a good while longer.” 

It was impossible now to have a view of the 
outside, owing to the smoke and flames, therefore 
it was as well to follow these instructions as to 
remain where every breath was painful. 

With their arms around each other, Mrs. 
Houghton and Mazie threw themselves on the 
loose earth, while the laborers worked yet more 
rapidly, forgetting fatigue in the frenzied efforts 
to save their lives. 

Ten minutes passed ; the hungry flames roared 
fiercely ; at several points the logs had yielded, 
and the heat was fast becoming unbearable. 

Fragments of blazing wood fell from the roof, 
and each instant respiration grew more difficult. 
To Mazie it was as if she was in an imperfectly 
built oven, and she no longer had any hope of 
escape. 

Just at the moment when death seemed inevi- 
table a cry of joy from Ernest announced that 
the work had been successful. 


374 


THE BEAGANZA DIAMOND 


Get down here quickly Captain Jake 
shouted. Crawl in without mindin’ the loose 
dirt ; you can’t suffocate now that a passage has 
been opened. I’ll stay hack long enough to pull 
some of this earth over us.” 

What a blessed relief it was to Mazie as she 
made her way down that narrow but compara- 
tively cool passage ! She had never known any- 
thing sweeter than this first breath of jDure air ; 
while crouching at the bottom as the boys labored 
to make the poor place of refuge larger, she in- 
flated her lungs again and again, until the in- 
ward heat had in a measure subsided. 

It had not been possible for Captain Jake to 
cover himself very deeply with earth ; but after 
taking up a position directly in the rear of Mrs. 
Houghton, he managed to j^ush so much behind 
him that he was in a reasonably good condition 
to bear the heat, which must necessarily increase 
as the fire came nearer. 

The boys continued to work until they had 
an aperture into the magazine sufficiently large 
to crawl through, and by the time this had been 


, SMOKED OUT 


375 


clone both were so completely exhausted that 
further effort would have been impossible. 

Partially buried as they were, and with the 
flames roaring above them, not a word could be 
heard from the outside. The fugitives might 
well fancy that the blacks were keeping vigilant 
watch, expecting each instant that their intended 
victims would be driven out by the flames, and 
all knew that the time must shortly come when 
their partial escape would be known. 

If they have heard anything about the hole, 
we may expect to see ’em here mighty quick,” 
Captain Jake said, in a low tone. 

Hark !” Ernest cried. “ They’ve concluded 
we didn’t sit still to be burned. I can hear shouts, 
most likely of rage.” 

He had hardly ceased speaking when the re- 
ports of firearms rang out, as if the weapons 
had been discharged directly above the fugitives' 
heads, and Perry asked : 

‘‘ Do you suppose they are such fools as to 
waste ammunition by shooting into the flames 
on the chance of hitting us ?” 


376 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


It’s something more than that !” Captain 
Jake cried, excitedly, as he crowded roughly 
past the others in the effort to get out. 

“ Don’t he rash,” Mrs. Houghton said. ‘‘ These 
shots may he only a ruse to draw you on, so 
they’ll know where we are hidden.” 

‘‘ There is no game about this,” the old man 
said, decidedly. ‘‘ Some kind of a fight is goin’ 
on, an’ ” 

He did not finish the sentence, but made every 
effort to scramble out of the excavation, shouting 
wildly : 

‘‘ Hello ! Help this way ! Shipmates ahoy !” 

Then, to the great surprise and intense delight 
of the hoys, they heard a voice, very near at 
hand, calling : 

“ Ernest ! Ernest ! Are you here ?” 

‘‘ It’s your father !” Perry cried, and before 
his cousin could reply the old man said to some 
one who had approached the mouth of the ex- 
cavation : 

The lads are here, and safe, barring a leetle 
too much heat. Can you get near enough to 
help us out ?” 


SMOKED OUT 


377 


Then Ernest heard his father reply : 

“ That’s easily done ; the wind blows the 
flames from this side. Give me your hand.” 

Captain J ake was pulled into the outer world 
once more, and one by one the others were lib- 
erated just in time to see the blacks moving in 
hot haste for their schooner, while a party of 
white men accelerated their Tiiovements by a 
rapid discharge of revolvers. 


CHAPTEE XXXVI 


PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 

OT until the blacks had succeeded in mak- 
ing good their escape, probably at the ex- 
pense of several wounds, did the boys learn to 
what they were indebted for this very timely de- 
liverance. 

It was told in a fragmentary way by Mr. Bar- 
nard while they watched the old pirate’s hut 
slowly reduced to ashes. 

The crew who had accompanied Captain Jake 
in pursuit of the schooner reported the abduc- 
tion to the authorities at Norfolk, and the daily 
papers published the story. Perry’s father was 
in New York at the time, and Mr. Barnard with- 
out waiting for his friend, hired Captain Jake’s 
shipmates to accompany him in the search. 

It was not believed the little party would be 
found on the island, and the pursuers wished to 
378 


PLANS FOP THE FUTUKE 


379 


give it a wide berth ; but Mr. Barnard insisted 
on stopping for the purpose of learning from 
the old man whether he had gained any further 
information concerning the missing ones. 

The tug arrived off the island just as the hut 
was well on fire, and the glare of the flames 
among the trees ^^re vented their craft from being 
seen by the blacks. It was known that Captain 
Jake intended to remain there until the Midge 
had been repaired, consequently the fact of the 
hut being in flames, and a party of men stand- 
ing outside, making no effort to extinguish the 
fire, seemed sufficiently suspicious to warrant 
Mr. Barnard in landing his full force. 

Once on shore, the true state of affairs could 
readily be divined, and a charge was made upon 
the blacks with such good effect that they beat a 
hasty retre^-t after firing one volley. 

The boys had begun to relate their adventures, 
in reply to Mr. Barnard’s questions, when Cap- 
tain Jake, who had gone toward the beach at 
full speed, after being assisted from the excava- 
tion, to aid in punishing the blacks, came up, 
breathless and excited. 


380 THE BRAGAXZA DIAMOND 

^‘They’ve got clean away,” he said, in a tone 
of bitterness, “ an^ that’s all the satisfaction we 
shall have for the destruction of the Midge, to 
say nothin’ of the big pile of gold I was foolish 
enough to believe would square up what they 
have cost us.” 

Quite naturally Mr. Barnard wished to know 
the meaning of these last words, and Ernest told 
of the pirate’s hoard which had been discovered 
at the moment when escape seemed imj)Ossible. 

There’s no reason why you should feel badly 
about that,” Ernest’s father replied. “The 
money won’t burn, and it surely can’t be melted 
in this small blaze. Wait until the timbers have 
been consumed, and I predict that every piece 
will be found, none the Averse for the scorch- 
ing.” 

Captain Jake realized the truth of this state- 
ment, and, all troubles having vanished, went 
about, greeting his friends who had arrived so 
opportunely. 

Instead of going aboard the tug, the rescued 
party remained on the island, a supply of food 
having been brought ashore, and the day had 


PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 


381 


dawned before the boys finished their story. 
Ernest’s father was surprised at the amount of 
property which Mrs. Houghton had in her pos- 
session. 

‘‘ The diamonds are very valuable/’ he said, 

and rare because of their wonderful purity and 
brilliancy. AYith the jewelry, and the gold to 
be recovered from the ruins of the hut, you will 
have quite a comfortable income.” 

I do not consider that it all belongs to me,” 
Mrs. Houghton rej3lied. Captain Berry and 
the boys are fully entitled to an equal share.” 

But you are CajDtain Dorr’s legal heir, and 
while I cannot speak for any one except my son, 
I do not think it right that what you probably 
need should be divided.” 

After some discussion, in which all took part, 
it was decided that the gold Mazie had dis- 
covered should be common property, Mrs. 
Houghton retaining the other valuables, and 
Captain Jake was perfectly satisfied with the ar- 
rangement. 

‘‘ I reckon that will buy me a new steamer,” 


382 


THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 


he said, in a complacent tone, “ an’ allow pretty 
good wages into the bargain.” 

‘‘You need not bear the entire cost of the 
yacht,” Mr. Barnard replied. “ The boys shall 
each pay one- third, and if they come South next 
winter can help you run her.” 

It was nearly noon before the flames had sub- 
sided sufficiently to admit of an atteinj^t to re- 
cover the gold, and then the work was completed 
in a comparatively short time. 

The money had been left in the corner near 
the fireplace, and the falling timbers had not 
disturbed it. 

At three o’clock on the same afternoon those 
who had suffered so much through the “ curse ” 
of the Braganza, if such a thing can be, steamed 
to the northward, and here this story must end, 
since it'was only intended to recount such events 
as occurred south of Boanoke. 

It may be well, however, to state a few facts 
which have been learned within the past month. 

Mrs. Houghton’s share of the old pirate’s 
property was sufficient to make her quite Avealthy, 


PLANS FOR THE FUTURE 


383 


as compared with her previous circumstances. 
She and Mazie now live near New York City. 
Ernest and Perry are frequent visitors at their 
home, and already has Mrs. Houghton promised 
to make one more trip south of Roanoke. 

Captain Jake had the new yacht built under 
his personal supervision, and two weeks ago he 
sent photographs, not only of her hull, hut all 
the interior arrangements. 

“ IVe got four snug little staterooms,” he 
wrote, “ and a steward’s pantry that can’t be 
beat. Now seein’s how you boys are equal 
owners, why not come down wlien it gets cold 
up your way, an’ go with me on a trial cruise ? 
We’ll stop at Captain Winny’s island ; but do 
no huntin’ for the Braganza. That diamond 
will stay where it is now — at the bottom of the 
sea. Will you come ?” 

Ernest’s reply was brief, but to the point : 

“ We will be there in October, and if by any 
chance the diamonds can be recovered, we shall 
work very hard to get them, despite the supposed 
curse.” 



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